What’s with these whining workers?

Employees are, it seems, regressing to their childhood. Or perhaps some people just never really grew up.

According to CareerBuilder incidents of the kind of behaviour you might expect (and yet still not tolerate) from kids are prevalent in workplaces; 77 per cent of respondents say they have witnessed something that fits the charge.

Top of the list is whining; oh dear, we’ve all had one of those to deal with Nothing is ever right, nothing is ever working, nothing is ever their fault! Not far behind is sulking because something didn’t go their way and gossiping or bitching about a co-worker.

Pranks, making up rumours, refusing to share and even throwing a tantrum are all regular occurrences in workplaces according to the survey.

Some degree of what we may consider 'adolescent' conduct can be harmless, enabling employees to let off some steam and even promote a sense of camaraderie in the office," said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer of CareerBuilder. "But there's a fine line between innocent fun and inappropriate behavior. Actions like spreading rumors, 'tattling,' and forming cliques to exclude others can be perceived as mean-spirited, bullying and even harassment."

Keeping a close eye on workplace ‘banter’ and childish behaviour is becoming more necessary and can be linked with changes in society including parenting.

With more parents taking a soft approach to discipline, schools unable to take adequate steps to deal with disruptive students and a backdrop of the celebrity culture creating a “your life, your way” mind set, it is inevitable that workplace etiquette will become increasingly strained.

Thank goodness for HR!