Is Speaking Up at Work Being a Karen?

By Elke Porter | Am I the Karen? | April 28, 2025

In this week's episode of "Am I a Karen?" we delve into the story of Bailey, a long-time employee at a multinational consulting firm. With 20 years under her belt, Bailey recently found herself at odds with her company's new policies. The company, praised as one of the top three places to work in Canada, announced a shift for Canadian employees from a 37.5-hour workweek to 40 hours, without any additional compensation or benefits.

Ostensibly this decision was made to align the Canadian employees with the American employees. But this decision effectively extended the Canadian employees' annual workload by over three weeks a year, raising eyebrows and tempers alike. An additional 2.5 hours a week didn't sound like much, but it was over ten additional working hours a month.

Bailey, like many of her colleagues, was grappling with the demands of client site work, virtual meetings, and increased paperwork—also still expected to be completed in her "free" time. In her frustration, she approached HR. Their response was clear: this change aligns with company policy, and if she isn't onboard, she knows where the door is.

Disappointed but undeterred, Bailey shared her experience over drinks with a friend. Surprisingly, the friend labeled her a "Karen," suggesting Bailey should be grateful for job security in a shaky economy. This left Bailey questioning her own perceptions. Was she overreacting, or standing up for fairness?

Meanwhile, the company's leadership, adopted a "my way or the highway" attitude, and refused to engage with employees on the topic, further fuelling dissatisfaction.

So, readers, what do you think? Is Bailey being unreasonable in her concerns? Should HR and leadership channel more empathy and dialogue? Should they compensate their employees for the additional time worked? Or is her friend's perspective a reality check in today's job market?

As the corporate world navigates rapid changes, the balance between company policy and employee satisfaction hangs in the balance. The question remains: In this situation, who truly deserves the "Karen" label?

#Corporate Culture #Workplace Fairness #HR Policy #Karen Debate #Consulting Life #Employee Rights #Office Drama #Work Life Balance #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

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