The zombie at work is present in any professional context, it can be recognized on the spot because it always seems very busy when in reality all it does is delegate responsibility to others, this type of employee is ineffective, it does not know how to work as a team, but he manages to gain the trust of the bosses to create environments as toxic as they are unproductive, in which they survive perfectly.
It is necessary to add another concept to the terminology referring to the professional world of institutions: the undead or the zombie at work. At first, it could be thought that this label represents all employees who work a large number of hours and who gradually end up being automated due to excess tasks, low motivation and little recognition or compensation.
- However.
- There is a clear difference between saturated workers and those who simply browse the company and seem to demonstrate one thing: productivity.
- There are those who think that this under-performing is mainly the result of the zombie’s lack of commitment to work.
- Anyone who has analyzed such behaviors has other problems in mind Why do companies maintain this type of profile within the institution?.
That is to say, first of all, that we are not talking exclusively about public administration employees, we are also talking about all the people who work in offices, universities, factories and any kind of business where they survive like rare birds. what strategies and characteristics define them?
The zombie at work is lazy and has few skills, but manages to survive in any job because he gains the trust of the superiors and does not draw much attention to himself, although it is this element that sometimes intoxicates the environment of his presence.
In 2004, a Gallup survey was conducted to assess the commitment of several companies in the United States and Europe. The results revealed something that experts defined as a “cultural and commercial crisis. “
Almost 64% of employees stated that they were not committed to their work or the objective of the organization of which they are part, the only objective is to cover their working hours and receive a salary, according to them this is due to the poor recognition of their value and bad relationship with the superiors.
Of the remaining 36%, 15% already identify as zombies at work, companies are aware of their presence and, although many consider them?Rotten apples? (elements that transmit low productivity in the company), others understand that it is common to have such people in the work environment.
Kevin Daum, well-known writer, business expert and columnist for Smart Business Magazine, defines the zombie at work as a reckless profile that needs to be paid more attention, sometimes the company itself does not know that this type of person is the right one. that interferes more with productivity and the right working environment. These would be his characteristics.
This has already begun to attract attention at first, the presence of the zombie at work is common everywhere, both in the public and private sectors, what is the reason for this permissiveness due to a figure who may end up being a role Model for others?Well, it should be mentioned, first of all, that not all companies allow the continuation of these behaviors that, in the long run, damage the image and productivity of organizations.
However, much of the vast fabric of companies has this type of profile, the cause of this reality can be attributed to two very specific factors.
In conclusion, whether we like it or not, zombies at work will live with us as long as labor policies do not change and there is no real commitment to the efficiency and improvement of each worker’s skills. infected with this virus and this attitude.