That time my "feedback" on a team project got flagged by HR

I mentioned at a meeting that our new software rollout was a cluster because nobody trained us first. Next day HR calls me in saying my 'negative language' violated the code of conduct. Has anyone else gotten slapped for just stating facts at work?

2 comments

2 Comments

miller.avery1mo ago

Did you use the word "cluster" or something worse? Because honestly "cluster" is practically a term of art in IT. I got written up once for saying a deadline was "unrealistic" in an email. They said it created a negative atmosphere. Meanwhile the project was two months late and nobody warned anyone. It's like they think if you don't say the quiet part out loud, the problem doesn't exist. Your HR sounds like they'd rather hear "we have an opportunity for improvement" while the whole thing burns down.

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margaretrivera1mo ago

Wait, is that actually how HR works for everyone? I mean, I get that they want to keep things positive but sometimes you have to call a spade a spade. "Unrealistic" seems pretty mild to me, like that's just being honest about the situation. Maybe it's just my company but we have a whole "radical candor" thing where you're supposed to be direct. Getting written up for saying a deadline was unrealistic sounds like they'd rather have everyone pretend everything is fine until it's not. And then when it finally falls apart they act shocked. I don't know, I guess I'd rather hear the hard truth early than get a nice email about an "opportunity" while the project is already on fire.