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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think this is wrong?

32 replies

Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 01:59

Today I found out that the company I work for, which is portrayed as a nice friendly, family run company, refers to underperforming employees as "Drongos" a slang term for incompetent idiot, in their official handbooks. AIBU to think this is wrong and unprofessional and they shouldn't say that?

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Brightbutchilly · 14/09/2014 02:04

Why is it necessary to refer to under performing employees by any collective term? I've certainly never seen that anywhere I've worked.

It does seem unpleasant. Have you raised it with them?

HeartShapedBox · 14/09/2014 02:05

that does seem a bit off, OP.

are you in Australia, btw?
seem to remember this term from h&a many moons ago Smile

Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 02:09

It is an Australian expression but no, I am in the UK. I got hold of a manager's Handbook somehow I can only assume it was given to me by mistake with other literature. It is necessary to refer to under performing employees collectively because apparently they rang us 1 to 10 and anyone under 7 is a drongo and should be dismissed.

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Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 02:09

Sorry that should be rank not rang

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Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 02:11

I wonder if they use the term drongo because it is not that common here, so they can get away with it. I thought it sounded offensive but wasn't sure what it meant until I looked it up I thought they might have made it up.

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Brightbutchilly · 14/09/2014 02:12

Oh my! That's fairly disturbing. I'm not an HR professional but I'm not sure you can do that in the UK.
My understanding was that under performing staff need to be given an action plan before dismissal processes kick in.

DaughterDilemma · 14/09/2014 02:16

They use the term in Scotland a lot.

It smacks of institutional bullying.

Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 02:18

The handbook says:
"We don't like the legal red tape that surrounds employment. [The company] keeps the paperwork straight and will help you say goodbye to drongos as quickly, as nicely and generously as possible we want to part as friends and move on."

[Company name removed by MNHQ]

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Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 02:19

I am a bit worried now because I've had to take some time off with stress.

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Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 02:19

It certainly doesn't make it feel like a supportive workplace now I know that's how they think of underperforming employees.

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MidniteScribbler · 14/09/2014 02:24

It's a pretty aussie term, it developed from a racehorse called 'Drongo' that who never won a race. It's generally used as a bit of laugh. A strange term to use in a workplace capacity about staff.

HeartShapedBox · 14/09/2014 02:25

daughterdilemma, whereabouts in Scotland are you?

I'm Scottish and have only heard it in aussie soaps.

DaughterDilemma · 14/09/2014 02:35

London. Dp is Scottish, his brother uses it too and he actually does live there. And his mates use it too.

DaughterDilemma · 14/09/2014 02:38

It sounds better with a Scottish accent, like one of those old words, scoundrel.

HeartShapedBox · 14/09/2014 02:39

really?

that's mad, I have literally never heard it in rl Smile

HeartShapedBox · 14/09/2014 02:41

whereabouts does your dp hail from?

for.some irrational reason I'm guessing fife or the highlands- dunno why, mind you Grin

DaughterDilemma · 14/09/2014 02:47

Ayrshire, tbh half of them left and settled in England, often lived in shared flats with Australians so it must have crept in, they have sneakily seem to have claimed it as their own. Doesn't sound as good if a Londoner or even Australian says it.

HeartShapedBox · 14/09/2014 02:51

ah I see!

I would deffo blame the aussie influence btw Wink

Dazedconfused · 14/09/2014 03:10

Am Scottish too and lived all over Scotland and am the same have never heard this used either casually or professionally. It may just be a term a group of mates has picked up...or a specific region.

I think it is dreadful that their is a term. If they need a collective word then it should just be 'people who are under performing' or 'those who rank lower than seven' and not something derogatory

Dazedconfused · 14/09/2014 03:11

och stupid, late pregnancy brain. ...should say there not their

Bulbasaur · 14/09/2014 03:19

Here in the US we refer to them as "unemployed". Grin

littledrummergirl · 14/09/2014 09:10

Is it workplace stress?
If so say include this as one of the reasons that has made you ill.

Do not let them know you have the booklet at the moment.

Speak to your union or take legal advice. This is not acceptable.

Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 11:34

I notice the company name has been removed by Mumsnet. I did not actually post the company name, People Support is their name for HR, not the company name.

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Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 11:40

It is partly workplace stress. They took over my department this year and since the takeover my responsibilities have increased drastically. I have gone from an assistant role with lots of backup to basically running the department on my own on the days when I work. I don't feel like I've had sufficient training and I'm struggling to adjust. It is difficult for me to adjust to big changes in routine anyway because I have AS. Every day at work I just feel like I'm struggling to stay afloat, not coping. Life outside of work has also been difficult because my gran passed away recently and before that I was helping care for her. TBH I was already feeling like I couldn't bear to go back to work and this is the last straw. Since their policy is to "say goodbye to drongos" I feel like they will push me out instead of supporting me. It makes me worry that they might be talking about me behind my back and planning to get rid of me. It makes me angry that they apparently see employees as numbers and "drongos" without considering the individual circumstances. I don't actually want to work for a company like that. Sorry I'm not sure how I can include this as one of the reasons that has made me ill without mentioning I have the booklet because no one has said it to my face?

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Original poster
Topaz25 · 14/09/2014 11:51

In case I made it sound like I have been promoted, I haven't. It's the same job role for the same pay, just increased responsibilities under the new company.

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