Comments on: 47 Percent of Women Think Their Bosses are Their Friends. That Number Should Be Closer to Zero. https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html Everything to make HR better Fri, 08 Feb 2019 18:20:38 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 By: Mr Got-Your-Backstory Now https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213438 Fri, 08 Feb 2019 18:20:38 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213438 In reply to grannybunny.

Thanks for the backstory on this “loaded question”!!

]]> By: grannybunny https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213427 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 14:01:02 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213427 In reply to Tim C..

I have a serious problem with the “best friend at work” question too. They use it at the Postal Service too. It stems from a Gallup poll that found that was one of the 12 factors indicating employee engagement at what Gallup deemed to be some of the most successful companies. My problem with that conclusion is that among the companies deemed “most successful” were Google, Amazon, Apple, etc., all of whom are notorious for ridiculously overworking their employees until they burn out in 2-3 years. Someone working 80 hour weeks HAS to have recreational facilities and best friends at work, because they have zero work-life balance; that is, no life outside of work. Those of us lucky enough to have a more healthy work-life balance frequently have best friends outside of work. When I questioned this question, I was told that it was only asking if — among my coworkers — there was one that I liked best. Obviously, that’s not at all what the question — literally — asks, and I’m still conflicted every time I’m asked to complete the annual employee survey.

]]> By: Mr Immensely Friendly https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213426 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 13:57:43 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213426 In reply to Tim C..

“I’m my own best friend” — so, sure, of course. Now, go away, Orwell.

]]> By: Goober https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213425 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:43:41 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213425 In reply to BethRA.

I think this is a different context. A manager who has your back won’t let outsiders, even within the company, treat you poorly. If you’re in retail, for instance, a manager who has your back (and isn’t completely spineless) will not give in to a customer’s insane demand just because they made a scene when you followed company policy. A manager in an office who has your back won’t let your coworker treat you abusively because said coworker is a favorite of another manager (or even a higher up). None of that is being a friend, it’s just competent management.

Having your back is a required component of being a friend, but being a friend isn’t a required component of having your back.

]]> By: Goober https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213424 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:39:20 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213424 In reply to Tim C..

The people you work for are crazy.

]]> By: BethRA https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213423 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:26:51 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213423 I have to say I am baffled by the gap between “is my friend” and “has my back” – because to me, “having my back” is one of the requirements for being a friend.

]]> By: Tim C. https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213422 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:08:15 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213422 I really get this concept. I agree 100% with Suzanne. Unfortunately where I work does not. There is a push to increase employee engagement where HR sends out surveys that ask “I have a best friend at work”. If I answer this “no”, then investigations are conducted and involuntary mandatory after-work social events are scheduled by department management. Perhaps managers are graded on the answers. Anyway I find it is just easier to answer “Yes! I have a best friend at work” even though I find the concept ridiculous.

]]> By: Mr Got-Your-Back https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213421 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:30:29 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213421 In reply to suffocating.

I’m not particularly litigious, but that sounds like such a clear violation of law, I’d be tempted to sue just to force the issue. While still exiting stage right…

]]> By: MariaRose https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213420 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 17:02:24 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213420 There are reasons why there are those special agreement forms that are given employees in their hiring package concerning any relationships with any co-workers, including supervisors/managers. Having a personal relationship ( friendship) will cloud perception of performance needed for the job needs. Because jobs today cut into what used to be social time for meeting new people, certain kind of friends are developed for creating a compatible work team. But there’s a big difference between a person who works with you and a friend.

]]> By: Becky Mcintyre https://www.evilhrlady.org/2019/02/47-percent-of-women-think-their-bosses-are-their-friends-that-number-should-be-closer-to-zero.html#comment-213419 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 15:51:16 +0000 https://www.evilhrlady.org/?p=5109#comment-213419 Friends? Sort of. Two of my 5 bosses in 40 years were more than bosses: they were mentors and I still hold them in high esteem. My current boss is not a friend but he is a good leader and CEO. I don’t expect to be chummy with my boss or most colleagues, certainly not as HR professional.

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