Stampede Workplace Fairness

Stampede can be an emotional week filled with foggy perceptions. People get tired, worn out, and abuse themselves a little too much for 10 days straight! Comments fly, emotions flare, and many people end up saying their apologies once Stampede is over.

We often hear the complaint “it’s not fair”, a common comment made by three year olds but heard from many professionals this time of year, when some employees get time off to party and others do not. When it comes to workplace fairness, what may seem like an unfair advantage or treatment from a boss towards an employee, group, or department may have a reason behind it. Of course there may in fact be cases where true unfair practices exist, but I encourage all complainers to put themselves in the position of the boss first. There is always perspective from both sides and we do not necessarily know the history behind the decisions made or discussions had.

This time of year, actually this 10 day period of craziness in our city, perceptions change and people turn into completely different people. We look different, we act differently, we work differently, and we drive/ride differently. We complain about late hours, no sleep, eating unhealthily, being offended, having to work, and getting nothing accomplished for 10 days straight. Chronic complainers will continue to find something to moan about, but even generally positive people complain about sore feet, tight jeans, sweaty head, and not enough time off.

Employees need to think before they speak this week, take a breath before they complain, especially to a boss, and not be too quick to claim unfair treatment during Stampede. Anything that is not illegal can wait until clear points can be made, in a meeting, behind closed doors, and unemotionally. This is not the week to quit, storm out, yell anything other than yahoo, or complain about anything unfair at work to the boss. Some things done during Stampede are reversible and forgivable but complaining to the boss is not one of them. Wait until Stampede recovery to meet with the boss about issues.

Things at work may appear to be unfair this week but next week, miraculously, things may seem completely fair once again. And keep the complaining to a minimum, we all asked for the pain brought on by Stampede and deep down we sure do love it! It is part of our Calgary heritage! Happy Stampedin’ everybody!