Every office has its own share of silly traditions. They’re “supposed to” strengthen culture, morale, or “fun,” but more often, they just waste time and annoy people. We talked to several employees and compiled a list of traditions they think waste everyone’s time. So from long Monday meetings to forced birthday cake parties, here are some workplace rituals that are still alive and well, even though most people secretly wish they’d disappear.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Yearly performance reviews
Waiting a whole year to hear how you’re doing at work doesn’t make sense anymore. Feedback ends up feeling outdated, and by the time it’s given, the problems or wins have long passed. Regular check-ins work better, but the annual review just won’t die.
Holiday decorating contests
Teams are told to decorate their desks for the holidays, and it becomes a silent competition. Hours are wasted cutting out snowflakes and hanging streamers. The office looks festive, but the work doesn’t get done.
Casual Fridays
Managers act like allowing jeans on Fridays is some huge gift. It turns into a weekly reminder that the rest of the week is still miserable. Honestly, people just want to wear what is comfortable every day.
Long Monday morning meetings
Every week starts with a meeting that drags on forever. Half the time, nothing new is even discussed. People leave feeling more drained than motivated.
Morning check-ins
Some managers insist on daily check-ins that feel more like surveillance than support. Everyone has to stop what they are doing just to say what they plan to do. By the end, it wastes more time than it saves.
Conference call introductions
Every conference call starts with the same painful routine: “Hi, I’m Jane from Marketing, based in Chicago…” followed by twelve other versions of the exact same thing. By the end, no one even remembers the first person who introduced themselves.
Office awards
Everyone gets some kind of “Most Helpful,” “Best Attitude,” or “Team Player” award at the end of the year. They take hours to organize but mean little to anyone. Most people would prefer a small bonus instead.
Paper memos
Stacks of printed memos are handed out to everyone every day, even though no one reads them. They sit on desks or go straight into the recycling bin. Most were replaced by email years ago, but some offices just can’t let go.
Exit interviews
They are a way to help companies figure out why people are leaving. But everyone knows nothing is going to change. Workers bite their tongues as managers take up everyone’s time pretending to care.
“Work anniversaries” with balloons
Someone gets to a five-year work anniversary, and there are balloons and a stale cupcake in the lunchroom. It eats up half an afternoon for something no one really likes. A simple thank-you could go a lot further.
Birthday sheet cake parties
Someone brings a huge sheet cake for every birthday, and everyone in the office has to stop what they are doing to eat it. There is the same small talk every time. By the end, people don’t even want cake anymore.
Team-building exercises
Trust falls, scavenger hunts, and awkward icebreakers all sound fun in theory. In reality, everyone just wants to get through it and go home. Most people bond more in the lunchroom than in forced activities.
Mandatory potlucks
Everyone in the office is required to bring a dish, even if they hate to cook. The same three people always bring chips, while the rest are panicking over casseroles. Cleanup takes longer than the eating.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
