We're back on the playground

The longer I am here, the more I realize how backwards this country's office politic is. One doesn't need to be fluent in German to understand the not-so-subtle subtext here.

It's like the US in the 70's: women are here as eye candy. Angry, frustrated men run the show, and whenever threatened they lash out. Name calling, poor work, bad vibes. It's an old story, but Germany forgot to read up on it, and write a rebuttal.

In one office I know, people yell and call each other names. (!) This misbehavior is considered acceptable because this country still thrives on a culture of fear, and this agency cultivates it. The management yells, the employees quiver. Fear of getting involved, fear of making a stand, fear of standing out. There is no punishment, no reprisal for bad office behavior; people are too afraid complain. I've heard that those who stand up for themselves find themselves the recipient of the equivalent of office terrorism: bad reviews, undermining comments to clients & colleagues, etc. Eventually they resign.

This month alone, 4 people have quit the office. This an agency of 60 people. And I know of at least 4 more who are contemplating offers. Management it seems, is incapable of making a connection between the poor attrition rate and the ill office culture that exists. It's a wild cycle, one that shouldn't exist in such a culturally rich, intelligent place.

People make fun of how politically correct the US is. But I think this is one of those things that America is doing right. There are rules (equality), and there are consequences to breaking the rules (lose your job, get a reprimand, etc.).

Poor Heiko and Heika, this is their reality.