Experiencing criticism and controversy is something that nobody likes. Companies especially strive to avoid criticism, particularly with today’s volatile atmosphere. A single Facebook or Twitter post or Youtube video can bring a company’s image to the ground, as netizens bear down on them, whether the criticism is valid or not.
The recent controversy between the Israeli vlogger Nas Daily and the renowned Kalinga tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od is a perfect example of this. Apo Whang-Od’s grandniece recently told the public that their family hasn’t consented to include the tattoo artist in Nas’ online master class, Nas Academy.
Because of this, Nas’ company is now under attack by angered Filipino netizens, and his Facebook follower count has lost more than 500,000 followers in a matter of days. Unfortunately, this has led to several Filipino remote workers under Nas’ company being at risk of losing their jobs.
Because nobody likes to discuss this topic, many workers don’t know what to do when the company they’re working for comes under attack. This article will talk about how remote workers should act when their company experiences criticism and controversy.
Remain Calm and Control Yourself
Before doing anything else, remember to calm down and control yourself first. Acting rashly upon learning that the company you’re working for is under fire won’t do you nor the company any good. Doing so only adds more confusion and fuel to the controversy’s fire.
Don’t let confusion and panic get a hold of you, and avoid making any decisions while you know you’re in an unfit state of mind. For example, you’re working for Nas and immediately decide to resign on the spur of the moment. What if the criticism and controversy are wrong? Now you don’t have a job.
Get the Full Picture Before Making Any Decisions
Connected to my previous point is this. One way to remain calm and collected is to take a step back and gather the facts first. Take Nas’ controversy as an example again. Because many Filipinos are posting this on social media, it’s difficult to separate facts from opinions.
Before forming any response and decision, know the facts first. You can search up the controversy on the internet and talk about it with your co-workers. Just make sure that you’re getting your information from reliable and trustworthy sources.
Become More Aware of Your Current Situation in the Company
Before you ask what do I mean by this, let me explain first. Discovering your company’s shortcomings allows you to think back on how they’re treating you. Are they paying you well, or are there constant problems in getting your paycheck? How are the work conditions? These are just some of the questions that you should ask yourself regarding your company.
Of course, you would then reply to me, “but isn’t that what you should always be asking, with or without controversy?” Yes, but the question now is, do you ask these questions when there are no problems? Situations like these allow you to reflect on whether you should remain with your company or not.
Avoid Posting Company-Related Posts in Your Social Media During This Time
A common mistake made by well-meaning, at least I think so, employees is to defend their company on social media. First off, if you don’t have the complete picture yet, you may just make a fool of yourself in front of a large audience. Next, you may inadvertently reveal company secrets when defending your company, which further adds to the company’s problems.
If you really want to help your company from the controversy they’re facing, avoid posting anything company-related on your social media during this time. Unless you’re part of public relations, and even then, post only official company responses.
Conclusion
In summary, not giving to panic while trying to know more about the issue is how an employee should act during controversies. By doing so, you avoid causing further trouble to your company and yourself.
It also allows you to continue working efficiently amidst these allegations. And it gives you thought to reflect on how you’re doing in the company. Or, if worse comes to worst, you can see a reason why you should leave the company.
