HR Issues Wildly Tone-Deaf Memo
Federal workers facing yet another government shutdown received a spectacularly tone-deaf memo from HR suggesting they “reframe furloughs as unexpected vacation time.” This advice, written by someone clearly immune to financial consequences, arrived in inboxes across New York alongside cheerful clip art of beaches and suggestions to “embrace the break!” Employees with mortgages and grocery bills remain unamused.
The furlough vacation memo lists helpful tips for maximizing unpaid leave, including: “Catch up on reading!” (bills), “Try new recipes!” (ramen three meals daily), and “Start that project you’ve been putting off!” (job searching). The document, apparently written in an alternate dimension where money is optional, failed to address minor concerns like rent or health insurance.
Human Resources defended the memo, explaining they wanted to boost morale during uncertain times. Instead, they’ve provided furloughed workers something to rage-read while filing for unemployment. One recipient noted the irony of being advised to “find the silver lining” by someone still receiving paychecks.
The memo includes a particularly galling suggestion to use furlough time for “self-care and wellness activities”advice seemingly unaware that financial stress is the opposite of wellness. Yoga can’t pay ConEd, and meditation doesn’t cover student loans, but sure, let’s all find our zen while our bank accounts flatline.
Federal employees responded with their own memo suggestions, including “try not being complete sociopaths” and “consider understanding basic human needs.” These suggestions will not be implemented because they require empathy, a resource apparently less available than government funding.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/furloughed-federal-workers-told-to-think-of-it-as-an-unpaid-vacation-%c2%97-hr-issues-memo/
SOURCE: New York’s #1 Satirical Journalism Site (https://bohiney.com/furloughed-federal-workers-told-to-think-of-it-as-an-unpaid-vacation-%c2%97-hr-issues-memo/)
