Latest news with #officepolitics
Independent Singapore
6 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Is Singapore's toxic work culture the same everywhere?' — Singaporean asks, ‘Why can't people just focus on doing their jobs instead of office politics?'
SINGAPORE: After eight years in the workforce and three different companies later, one Singaporean office worker said he has had enough. In a post on Reddit's r/askSingapore, the Singaporean penned a relatable rant that struck a nerve with fellow office survivors: 'Work is already exhausting on its own. Why can't people just focus on doing their jobs instead of wasting time and energy on office politics?' Is Singapore work culture the same everywhere? byu/Strong_Put6876 inaskSingapore According to him, every job he has taken has come with a side dish of 'colleagues scheming against one another, avoiding direct communication, and often speaking with hidden agendas.' His frustrated outburst ended with a question to the crowd: 'Is it like this everywhere, or have I just not experienced a wider variety of companies yet? Curious to hear from others — are you experiencing the same? And if so, what industry are you in?' And so Redditors delivered the answers to his question, with nearly 50 shades of workplace truth. 'Usually, the problem is the boss!' If you're hearing that in surround sound, you're not alone. One of the top-voted comments pointed out the root of the rot: 'Boss (tone at top), create the environment. If the boss is a slave driver and likes to pit the employees against each other to fight for that promotion, it will create a tense environment for everyone, and the culture will start to go down the drain.' Another chimed in with: 'Basically, yes. If you aren't affected by it, it's probably because you have a good boss who is tanking all the nonsense for the sake of the team.' Translation: Good management is the vaccine against corporate toxicity. 'You just work in sucky companies!' Others didn't sugarcoat it. 'You just work in sucky companies,' one said. 'Sucky companies have higher turnover. So when you're applying for jobs, it's likelier that you'll end up in a sucky company than a good company,' another quipped. This explains the loop of trauma some job seekers find themselves in — like dating all the wrong people and wondering if love is a scam. 'Been there before, but the trauma brings people together…' In a plot twist, staff members who share their emotional sufferings with each other become a bonding agent. 'During our lunch, we would rant to each other. Offer help to each other with their work due to an incompetent and toxic boss. Update each other on our job scout progress. Go for a celebratory meal during each person's last day,' one wrote. Several Redditors recalled making lifelong friends in the trenches, united by mutual disdain for management — some even likened it to army vibes. Sounds like trauma became their team-building moment for them. 'I rage-quit my last job because the drama got so out of hand!' Another Redditor recalled a nightmare from their experience in two beauty brand companies — both with majority female teams and both described as toxic local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 'Half the people don't really care about the work. They just do the bare minimum and spend the rest of their energy gossiping and stirring things up, especially those bored, childish aunties lol.' She added that in contrast, her stint at a tech multinational corporation (MNC) was drama-free 'since everyone was too busy with work.' Not all hope is lost — some people found paradise Not everyone shared the same bleak view. Many came forward to say, 'It's not like that everywhere.' See also M17 Entertainment raises US$25M for R&D and more 'I've worked in two companies, both for over five years, and while there were some problem colleagues, my experience has generally been positive,' wrote one. 'I still keep in touch with my team from the previous company and even go overseas with some from my current company,' wrote another. And one more wrote that, 'Currently, I work at an organisation that's quite collaborative… working for a foreign government. Good work-life balance, good benefits, already my 7th year.' In these healthier, toxic-free workplaces, drama is rare, politics are minimal, and colleagues actually look out for one another. Sounds like a fairytale, but a few lucky folks do live in it. 'It could be you, not them.' Of course, no Reddit discussion is complete without some finger-pointing right back at the person who posted an issue. 'Eight years and three jobs, and all you find is drama, then maybe you are the one actively looking for it,' one stated. 'Sometimes the hardest people to work with are the people who think there's a conspiracy every step of the way,' another chimed in. 'Someone who is solely occupied with work is least likely to find gossip and office politics getting into their head,' one more shared their opinion. A Redditor also advised: 'Try to work in internationally managed companies. Workplace culture is largely set by management… if you're managed by locals with this mindset that normalises such toxic behaviour, then you stand a poor chance at having a different experience.' So… is it really the same everywhere? The verdict? Not quite. Workplace toxicity isn't universal — it's situational. Company culture, management style, industry, team dynamics, and individual personalities all play a role. In some cases, drama may be a feature, not a bug. In others, it's just a matter of bad luck — or bad bosses. See also BTS's V vacations with Park Seo Joon, Choi Woo Sik, and Peakboy However, here's the kicker: Most agree that workplace politics, to some degree, are inevitable. The difference lies in how leaders manage it — or fuel it, as one Redditor said, 'There is always politics in the workplace, for better or for worse, whether one likes it or not.' So, maybe the answer isn't to find a unicorn workplace with zero politics — but to find one where the nonsense is managed, not magnified, as another Redditor wrote: 'Avoid companies with local leadership to significantly reduce the chance of this stupid culture.' And sometimes, the best advice is the simplest: 'Welcome to reality. Anywhere with humans has politics… Don't actively look for drama, and it won't be there. Just always be sure to advocate for yourself where appropriate.' In other news, another office worker says she's caught in a similar storm of office politics and behind-the-back whispering. She explained that 'This person seems to be immune to having any action taken against him,' and wants help to know if 'Is this considered workplace bullying, and what is your advice on how to handle this workplace bullying?' You can read about her full complaint and the frustrating silence she experienced from HR over here: 'My colleagues say untruths and bad things about me behind my back, but HOD won't take action' — Office worker asks, 'How to handle workplace gossiping?'
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From Office Flirtation to Bestselling Romance Novel: The Story Behind Patricia Dlamini's New Book Launch
From office flirtation to bestselling romance novel, the journey of author Patricia Dlamini captures the imagination of readers and aspiring writers alike. Her latest book, 'The Competitor's Kiss: When Rivalry Turns to Romance, Who Really Wins?,' takes inspiration from her own experiences in the corporate world, intertwining personal anecdotes with imaginative storytelling to create a captivating narrative that resonates with many. CAPE TOWN, ZA / / July 4, 2025 / The story follows two colleagues who develop a romantic relationship amidst the challenges of office politics and career aspirations. As the protagonists navigate their feelings and professional lives, readers are treated to an engaging exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of workplace dynamics. Dlamini's ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments allows the narrative to stand out in a crowded genre. Dlamini's background in marketing and her experiences in various corporate environments provided a rich foundation for her writing. The author draws on real-life scenarios to craft relatable characters and situations, making the themes of her book accessible to a wide audience. Readers will find themselves immersed in the ups and downs of office romance, reflecting on their own experiences as they turn the pages. Prior to the release of 'The Competitor's Kiss: When Rivalry Turns to Romance, Who Really Wins?,' Dlamini self-published several short stories online, gaining a dedicated following through her relatable writing style and authentic voice. The success of these stories paved the way for her transition to a full-length novel, showcasing her growth as an author and her commitment to storytelling. Her journey from a corporate employee to a bestselling author serves as an inspiration for many who dream of writing and publishing their own work. The launch of 'The Competitor's Kiss: When Rivalry Turns to Romance, Who Really Wins?' marks a significant milestone in Dlamini's career, with pre-orders already exceeding expectations. The book has garnered interest from both readers and publishers, leading to discussions about potential adaptations for visual media. Dlamini aims to reach an even broader audience, sharing her insights on love and relationships in the modern workplace. In conjunction with the book launch, Dlamini will engage with her readers through various platforms, including virtual book signings, social media discussions, and writing workshops. These events aim to foster a sense of community among readers and aspiring writers, providing a space for sharing experiences and insights about writing and love in the workplace. 'The Competitor's Kiss: When Rivalry Turns to Romance, Who Really Wins?' is set to be released on July 15, 2025, and promises to offer an engaging read for those who appreciate romance intertwined with relatable workplace scenarios. As Dlamini continues to develop her craft, her debut novel stands as a testament to her journey and the power of storytelling. Contact Information Patricia Dlamini Authorinfo@ SOURCE: Patricia Dlamini View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Independent Singapore
06-05-2025
- Independent Singapore
‘I don't want to play this game' — Man says his coworker turned hostile on him after promotion rumours
SINGAPORE: An employee took to an online forum to rant about a stressful situation at work where he feels like a female co-worker perceives him as a threat to her promotion. Posting on the r/askSingapore forum on Monday (May 5), the employee explained that his co-worker 'K' has started becoming 'hostile' towards him ever since a rumour started circulating that he's being groomed for the assistant manager role. Both of them currently hold a senior lead position, just one rank below the assistant manager role, and he's observed the tension growing as K has started making occasional jabs at his work quality. On top of that, K has also been going behind his back and asking others about his previous leadership experiences. 'K has not hidden her intentions to become assistant manager (and eventually manager). She's good-looking, clever, charismatic, and extremely motivated. She's good at her job, but God forbid if you get in her way because she will tear you down and turn the others against you,' the employee explained. According to the post, K has been with the company for only four years but has already received three promotions, which is considered extremely rare in their workplace. Moreover, the employee also opened up about feeling uneasy about K's tactics when it comes to office politics. 'As I was once her senior (I've been here longer than four years), I have seen her play politics against others, and it honestly frightens me. She's good at wrapping the male managers and senior colleagues around her little finger.' Despite all this, the employee clarified in his post that he had no desire to get the assistant manager role. '[It] is something I do not want. I have tried out leading two teams, and the experience was so stressful I told my direct manager I am happy to stay as senior lead forever,' he said. 'I just want to do my work. Work 9 to 5. Then, go home and not stress about managerial nonsense.' He ended his post by asking for advice on whether being upfront could possibly defuse the tension. 'Should I just tell her to her face that I don't want to play this game? How do I convey to my colleague that I am not a threat to her promotion and that I do not want to engage in (office) politics?' 'Just do your own thing properly and go home.' The employee's post sparked a wave of responses from fellow Redditors, many of whom empathised with his situation and offered advice on how to deal with the tension. Some encouraged him to speak directly to K in a calm and professional manner, suggesting that transparency might help clear up any misunderstanding. One advised, 'Bring her out for a coffee 1:1 with the pretext of trying to know her better. Share your experiences and your disinterest in promotion, and praise her for the good qualities you saw in her. Be vocal about praising/thanking her publicly (but don't be fake about this!). In private, subtly elevate her to your manager/peers—word would eventually slip to her that you are supporting her. When she jabs at your mistakes, thank her for her feedback with a smile and acknowledge that you can do better.' Others, however, warned that confronting someone who thrives on office politics could backfire, especially if that person is already seen as influential by higher-ups. One said, 'With people like these, it doesn't matter if you tell her face-to-face that you aren't interested. She will just think that you are just pretending. Just do your own thing properly and go home; there's no point engaging so much.' There were also those who advised him to keep his guard up and document any instances of inappropriate behaviour, just in case things escalate. One commented, 'Document everything. Your work process. Your final work. Whatever work, la, all must document. You may never need it, but it's better to protect yourself. These people can be a bit… Obsessive. If she has perceived you as a threat, there's nothing you can do to convince her otherwise.' How to handle a co-worker who sees you as a threat Navigating workplace dynamics can be tricky, especially when a colleague sees you as competition. According to Julian Lewis, writer for ZellaLife, if you're facing tension because a co-worker thinks you're a threat to their promotion, it's important to respond with grace, clarity, and strategy. First and foremost, always maintain professionalism. Don't stoop to negativity; let your work speak for itself. If you feel safe doing so, consider addressing the issue directly with the co-worker using non-confrontational 'I' statements to express how their behaviour affects you. For example, you could begin your statements with 'I feel like…' or 'I noticed…' At the same time, Lewis suggests keeping a record of any concerning incidents, as this may be useful if you need to escalate the matter. He also recommends seeking guidance from someone you trust, such as a mentor, another co-worker, or a senior colleague who can offer a fresh perspective. Most importantly, look after yourself. Stress from toxic dynamics can wear you down, so prioritise self-care and reach out for professional support if things become overwhelming. Read also: 'Am I selfish for wanting to live alone?' — 34 y/o man doesn't want his mum & brother to move in with him
