8 Things Employers Do Not Want Their Employees to Know
Digitalization and the spread of the internet have given rise to many new types of employment opportunities. You can now work remotely or on-site and choose between freelance, contractual, part-time, or full-time roles. But before taking up a new opportunity, it is essential to be prepared. While your employer may help you with the information you need to transition into your new role, there are a few things they do not want you to know.
They conduct non-documented background checks
When applying for the job, you may have submitted a few names of former supervisors or colleagues as references to your new hiring managers. It is best to provide quality references and be honest in this regard, as the HR teams of most companies do casual reference checks. They could contact your previous employer or others in their network to verify your professional background. They may also check your social media and professional profiles before hiring you.
They need you more than you think
Most bosses give the impression that they may not need you and can find a replacement if you leave. Practically speaking, hiring someone new and training them is a risky, lengthy, and expensive process. Moreover, if you walk out suddenly, the other team members would have to take on added responsibility to fill in the gap till the company finds a replacement. It could lead to a tilt in work-life balance and cause conflicts in the workplace.
They are not experts as you may believe
Your boss may not know everything about their job despite being in a high position. Many managers depend totally on facts, figures, and numbers and find it difficult to function without these. If proved wrong, some make a correction politely, while others behave as if they know it all.
They are not micro-managers
Though employers may sometimes be nitpicky about how you work, what they care about the most is the results. If you get the work done on time and efficiently, that would matter more than how many hours you worked. However, having a few conventional practices and rules helps manage the organization better and avoid conflicts between team members. Employers stick to the guidelines and remain organized throughout the day.
They watch your behavior and attitude
Many electronic tools help track the time an employee spends on the computer, their idle-screen time, the number of log-ins and log-outs, and even the duration they stay away from their seat. Managers frequently monitor the trends and arrange training or sensitizing sessions to improve productivity if required. Though it may seem irrational, these methods are common and legal. The information can also be used to give or deny additional responsibilities and in deciding hierarchies.
Your employer is not your friend
Companies may foster friendly behavior within the workplace, but they are careful about the amount of freedom an employee enjoys. Your boss would expect you to respect their authority. So, understand the limits clearly and work within that for a fruitful work atmosphere.
Employers gossip too
Many employers listen to office gossip to know what is happening with their staff. It helps prepare or avoid unexpected or distasteful confrontations. Being updated on office gossip is a tool that allows them to keep a pulse of official matters. It lets them know if an employee wants to quit, understand competition better, and, sometimes, prevent burnout. An employer’s ability to convert gossip into something beneficial for the company can indicate their leadership skills.
They can fire you even though you are new
Most employees showcase their best behavior and work zealously in their new roles. But a few become complacent. It helps to note that employers can fire employees without an explanation if they see poor attitude or performance, even in the initial days. Doing so allows them to cut the costs that may arise from continuing the training process or working with an incompetent individual later.