BouncyWalrus

Is this toxic work culture or I am overthinking

For context: Weekends are off. So just fri WFH. This is a Series B startup. I am not even asking for a leave but WFH for just 1 day. I joined recently. The only thing I did wrong was possibly informing a little too late.

Want to get opinion if I am overthinking or this classifies as toxic culture in startups where you are expected to push limits above and beyond regularly and sometimes weekends.

6mo ago

31Kviews

Find out if you are being paid fairly.Download Grapevine

SqueakyKoala

Stealth6mo

Not a great culture, also you don’t have to give the actual reason, instead say due to some unavoidable work or family health reason you will need to wfh. Its a good way of seeing what kind of employer one is, when they also treat urgencies like that. Indians feel they need to give a detailed explanation as to why they deserve wfh or leave, whereas in international companies, you just have to inform the manager.

SqueakyKoala

Stealth6mo

Also if they don’t allow WFH then you should be refusing to do anywork once you get home or on weekends as thats from home. So make note of this for future then they give you work to take home

DizzyMarshmallow

Stealth6mo

That's a bit dangerous ig, they might assign much work observing this behavior. It can lead to leaving late from office. How to deal with this?

TwirlySushi

Tiger Global6mo

This is not what a toxic work culture looks like btw.

Sharing a manager’s POV here:

Not everyone is made for WFH - managers learn this the hard way.
Those who are disciplined are usually easily given freedom.
Proof of work is essential to earn trust. Since you’re still in probation, doesn’t seem like a lot of time has gone by for you to showcase dependability.

Here is what I am taking away:

Your weekends are off
You’re expected to go to office 4x a week, WFH Friday

Fact of the matter is that managers may have burned their hands in the past with certain hires. Some people do abuse the flexibility and make it worse for the next folks in line. It’s unfair but building trust early on leads to dividends later.

Also - why did you join a startup?

Of course you’d be expected to push your limits. You don’t have to though. Chances are you may survive and tread along without shifting gears, but the music will stop at some point.

9 to 5, weekdays, work only as per JD chahiye then there are always Govt jobs, Infosys and the Cognizant’s of the world - there’s nothing wrong with wanting this. Just look for this at the right place though.

BouncyWalrus

Stealth6mo

Boi- you are so wrong here. I am not complaining about working long hard hours. Its just that if you work long hard hours you expect certain flexibility with your time. Agree with you on the 'time in the company' point but ask yourself- what kind of a culture do you want to build- should it be trust first or second guessing. I agree proof of work shows dependability but if you have hired someone- 4/5 yrs experience and giving them good enough responsibilities you gotta trust the person

TwirlySushi

Tiger Global6mo

Of course it should be trust first. Chances are that the company most likely started off with that DNA.

Sharing a perspective, not trying to rationalise.

Here’s a question - how long has it been for you in that company? Also the probation period? People usually tend to work “long hard hours” at first, the question is whether they have spent enough time to demonstrate that consistently.

Btw - ‘x’ years of experience (ie -4 years) doesn’t guarantee right company fitment, nor a leading indicator to one’s commitment/dependability.