Software engineers are an integral part of the tech industry which is known for its fast-paced and innovative environment. However, it's also a sector that has been plagued by HR abuses. And software engineers are not immune to it in the workplace.
In the next six months, a potential mass exodus of employees in India looms as over 86% consider resignation, while 61% are willing to prioritize work-life balance over salary. (source: TOI)
Those in the tech industry must learn ways to safeguard themselves from possible HR mistreatment.
Here are some common HR abuses that software engineers may face:
Micromanagement:
Micro-management (an indication of poor leadership) is when a manager excessively and unnecessarily monitors and controls the work of an individual software engineer, often to the point of unnecessary intervention.
includes dictating how work is done, demanding frequent updates and status reports, and even making decisions about code implementation.
Micromanaging can make employees feel untrustworthy and doubt their decision-making.
It can create an atmosphere of distrust and undermine employees' decision-making and creativity, that too in an industry where innovation and creativity are highly valued.
Micromanagement is generally seen as a counterproductive management approach.
For a software engineer, this can be demotivating and stressful. An HR professional may feel like a hired assassin. Depression, low self-esteem, frustration and the high turnover rate become common among employees.
No employee wants to be bossed around every time.
You may also want to check:-
Check how to deal with a toxic manager...
Signs you're dealing with a micro-manager...
Negative Recruitment (or Employee Poaching):
The process operates in a way that involves finding a replacement job opportunity for a problematic employee by reaching out to someone in a similar organization through a headhunter. The new job offer is made so attractive that the employee is unable to refuse it, and then that company terminates their employment during the probationary period.
Such managers are classic examples of a "wolf in sheep's clothing".
Lack of Work-Life Balance
Have you noticed job postings with phrases like 'Fast-paced work environment' or 'We work hard, play hard'? Recruiters reaching out on weekends and job postings during holidays or off-work hours could be red flags for a poor work-life balance.
Software engineers often experience the demands of working long hours and meeting tight project deadlines, including working on weekends and being available 24/7.
The trend of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic further blurred the boundary between professional and personal life.
Nevertheless, excessive workloads can cause burnout and have adverse effects on the physical and mental well-being of employees.
You may also want to check:-
Check how to deal with low work-life balance.
How to identify if a company has a work-life balance?
Constructive Termination:
Constructive termination is a cruel and manipulative tactic used by HRs to force employees to quit their job rather than terminating them directly, by avoiding any legal consequences of firing someone. This is done by making their work situation untenable. Negative performance evaluations, denial of promotion, reassigning them to a lower-profile role, discrimination etc. of employees are very common in such workplaces.
The idea is to break employee morale and make him suffer humiliation so he eventually leaves on his own.
Unfortunately, most of the employees have to face this as a result of their retaliation for speaking out against workplace issues or reporting HR abuse.
It's saddening that a profession promoting talent, growth, and creativity can resort to unethical practices.
You may also want to check:-
See a case study of constructive dismissal.
Are you being targeted for a layoff?
Check for signs if your company secretly hopes you to quit...
Discrimination:
Software engineers may experience discrimination in many ways including being neglected for promotions and hikes or receiving unequal pay compared to their colleagues, promotions and opportunities are given to those who are well-connected rather than based on merit.
In the cut-throat corporate world. favoritism, nepotism, and a dog-eat-dog mentality often prevail...
Employees spending long hours at the workplace to create the perception of being productive and persons with no moral compass surface to the top as best performers can create a toxic environment of resentment, jealousy, and a lack of motivation.
You may also want to check:-
Check for signs of a toxic workplace.
Racial discrimination in Tech Industry.
4 Times I Felt Discriminated Against for Being a Female Developer
Unrealistic Demands and Deadlines:
Poor leadership in organizations often prioritizes corporate greed and short-term results over employee health and well-being, resulting in burnout and stress.
Poor leadership often results in employees "running around like headless chickens"
Additionally, this can manifest in setting unrealistic deadlines, creating a "win at all costs" mentality, and frequently changing project goals, which can lead to technical debt and damage the organization's reputation.
You may also want to check:-
How to make peace with deadlines in software development?
What is" the moving target problem" in software engineering?
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
HR is not your friend, and neither it's supposed to be an employee advocate. The main purpose of HR is to ensure "Strategic alignment of talent with the business decision", by getting the right people to achieve the target the executive team wishes for.
If you are not part of the strategic direction where the company is going, you'll possibly experience layoffs. And such business decisions are cutthroat. You are just an employee id in their excel sheet.
If you face a problem while being in the company, take a strategic approach and try to solve it on your own. HR only addresses legal grievances, so avoid discussing the issue with them or your coworkers, as it may escalate the matter to management.
Also, see:
To maintain a healthy work-life balance, disconnect from work after hours. Avoid checking emails or answering calls during personal time, and prioritize your well-being by taking weekend breaks. Weekend breaks help in boosting productivity when we return to our desks.
Set clear expectations and boundaries. Let the manager know about your work style and how you prefer to be managed. Explain bluntly how constant micromanagement can hinder your productivity and creativity.