Workplace horror stories

Wild Workplace Horror Stories Shared by Employees

Communications

WORKPLACE HORROR STORIES — SECRETS OF THE CAREER GAME

Kendall Berg pulls back the curtain on jaw-dropping corporate horror stories that will leave you shaking your head. From gender discrimination and toxic team dynamics to shocking salary injustices and chaotic leadership, these listener-submitted tales highlight the dark side of workplace culture. 

Kendall doesn’t just spill the tea—she brews up actionable insights on how to navigate these nightmares and reclaim your career. Whether you’ve faced a similar ordeal or want to avoid these pitfalls, this episode is a must-listen for anyone determined to thrive in their professional life.

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Key Takeaways

Workplace Horror Stories (00:00 – 04:47)

  • Ex-boss told the employee they were just a diversity hire on their last day
  • The executive told employee they looked like they should be dancing on tables
  • The manager hired employee but avoided them, ignored them, and made sexist jokes
  • The employee was given zero visibility and asked to take an entry-level position
  • Product manager harassed by VP after pivoting to new role
  • The manager doesn’t communicate effectively or follow through on commitments

Gender Discrimination and Salary Issues (04:48 – 06:41)

  • Only female leadership team members denied raise but were given more responsibilities
  • Boss hired consultant for same role at $30,000 more
  • Employees set boundary and quit for better-paying job with fewer responsibilities
  • Boss claimed email was too direct because it came from a woman
  • The executive told employee they looked like they should be dancing on tables

Startup and Team Dynamics (06:42 – 08:47)

  • Core team member of startup game company replaced by big-name developer
  • New team lead sabotaged by long-term employee
  • Boss failed to support new lead and blamed them for the situation
  • Toxic environment with dysfunctional leadership and gossip
  • Employee fired after five months due to chaos caused by team member

Compensation and Performance Issues (08:48 – 10:32)

  • The team exceeded revenue goals but company changed bonus structure
  • President invoked clause to pay only 25% of promised bonus
  • Boss demanded explanation for forgotten email
  • Employee humiliated in front of team for forgetting task

Workplace Challenges (10:33 – 12:26)

  • Employee scheduled with a disliked coworker for three consecutive weeks
  • Husband fired at conference on his birthday
  • Sports coach fired due to student complaints about playing time
  • Some employees find showing up on Monday morning a horror
  • Importance of turning around negative workplace experiences

That Career Coach

Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach?

Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_

Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind