Is there such a thing as a culture that is too open?

Anonymous

October 6,2022 at 5:01PM UTC

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Is there such a thing as a culture that is too open?

I am all for having an inclusive environment, I am a BIPOC woman myself, and this is very important to me personally and professionally to feel like I have a voice and feel welcomed in my work environment.

But I am currently working in a company that seems to have no filters, we have a lot of non-work related slack channels, and there is more activity there than in work slack channels. If there is one employee complaint, leaders send people in a chaotic whirlwind. Sometimes I am not sure if I am working in a place of business or in some other world that I didn't know existed.

Am I just an old timer, or perhaps this culture is just not a fit for me?

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AnonymousOctober 6,2022 at 6:09PM UTC
I think when a company has slack, or some other communication system for employees to talk, they do. I wouldn't see this necessarily as a red flag as long as people are still getting their work done. Think of this as "having a conversation by the coffee pot/water cooler."
The second piece you mentioned about "if there is one employee complaint, leaders send people in a chaotic whirlwind." What does that mean? Are employees complaining or venting and leaders are trying to fix it? Or are they making a mountain out of a mole hill?
Hopefully you can choose how much you want to participate in the culture. If you're not comfortable, don't participate. But if you are forced to, then that's where you might want to start looking.
Nicole DupuisOctober 6,2022 at 7:19PM UTC
I hear you loud and clear. Sometimes the line gets blurry between professional and personal. This does not sound like an issue in the sense of you need to contact HR, but perhaps it is not what you are used to or what you like your environment to be like. I would suggest limiting your involvement and people will get the hint that this is "not your jam."
AnonymousOctober 6,2022 at 7:48PM UTC
I think it truly depends on what you will and will not tolerate. I also have learned that I can be thinned-skinned around a bunch of women although I'm confident in my abilities/work ethic. But to feel unwelcome in a work environment is the worst. I've been there. But I also know what I will and will not put up with (overt favoritism, poor management, etc.). I've worked for/with some of the best companies and even I have a "standard." Do what is best for YOU. Also, look inward. No workplace is perfect. :)
MollyOctober 6,2022 at 8:23PM UTC
This sounds similar to the misunderstanding that vulnerability means over sharing personal experiences. Inclusion should not mean anything goes - it should be demonstrated through firmly holding space for those who have been systematically marginalized. And a culture of open and up front communication should not open the door to employees sharing every thought they have.