HR COMPLAINTS ARCHIVE
Actual complaints. Actual responses. Actually why we can't have nice things.
2,847
Total Complaints Filed
147
Currently Under "Investigation"
1
Resulted in New Holiday
Legendary
RE: Gary from Accounting Smells Like Decisions I Regret
I need to report that Gary from Accounting has developed a scent profile that I can only describe as "existential crisis meets gas station sushi." Every time he walks past my desk, I'm transported back to every bad decision I've ever made. It's like aromatherapy, but the opposite.
I've tried holding my breath. I've tried burning candles. I've tried working from the parking garage. Nothing helps. The smell follows me into my dreams now. Last night I dreamed I was at my grandmother's funeral and Gary was there, and I woke up convinced that whatever cologne he uses is somehow connected to the afterlife.
I am requesting either: (A) Gary be moved to a different floor, preferably a different building, ideally a different company; (B) The HVAC system be modified to create a personal air bubble around my workspace; or (C) I be provided with hazmat-grade respiratory equipment that I can expense as "office supplies."
OUTCOME: After a thorough investigation, we've determined that Gary's scent is actually the company-mandated hand sanitizer applied liberally. We cannot discipline Gary for good hygiene. However, we've ordered you a desk fan. Please pick it up from the supply closet (formerly the Crying Room™).
Under Review
RE: Janet's Inspirational Poster Makes Me Want to Commit Crimes
This is my formal complaint regarding the poster Janet has hung in her cubicle. The poster depicts a cat hanging from a branch with the words "Hang in There!" in Comic Sans. I have worked 17 feet from this poster for three years. I am no longer okay.
Every morning, I arrive at work and that cat stares at me with its dead, soulless eyes. "Hang in there," it says, as if existence isn't an endless parade of meetings and performance reviews. Hang in there for WHAT, Janet? For the sweet release of the weekend? For the hope that one day we'll all be replaced by AI?
The poster has begun appearing in my nightmares. Last Tuesday, I saw a similar cat poster in a coffee shop and had to excuse myself to scream in my car for fifteen minutes. My therapist says I'm developing "motivational poster-induced PTSD." This is not a joke. She wrote it on my chart.
OUTCOME: We've spoken with Janet. She has agreed to replace the cat poster with one featuring a sunset and the words "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World." We trust this will resolve your concerns. Janet has also filed a counter-complaint about your "aggressive sighing," which we will address separately.
Classified
RE: The Vending Machine Owes Me $47 and an Apology
Over the past 18 months, I have documented 47 instances where the third-floor vending machine has stolen my money without dispensing product. I have receipts. I have photographs. I have a spreadsheet titled "Vending Machine Crimes Against Me.xlsx" that I will attach to this complaint.
At first I thought it was mechanical failure. Then I noticed a pattern. The machine ONLY malfunctions for me. Gary can get his Cheetos every single time. Janet's Kit-Kat slides down effortlessly. But every time David Wellington from Marketing approaches? Suddenly it's jammed, out of stock, or mysteriously unplugged.
I believe the vending machine has become sentient and developed a personal vendetta against me. This theory is supported by the fact that on December 12th, it dispensed a note that said "YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID" instead of my Sun Chips. I did not know what I did. I still don't. But clearly the machine does.
OUTCOME: We've contacted the vending machine vendor. They claim the note you received was actually a receipt from another customer that got stuck. The words "YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID" are apparently the customer's name—a regular named Yuknow Whatyoudid from the fourth floor. We cannot locate this person. Investigation ongoing. Here's a $25 gift card to the cafeteria.
Legendary
RE: My Coworker Is Definitely Three Children in a Trench Coat
I have worked alongside "Vincent Adultman" in the Finance department for seven months. I am now certain he is three children stacked on top of each other wearing a trench coat. This is not a joke. I have evidence.
EVIDENCE ITEM 1: Vincent walks with a strange wobbling motion, as if his center of gravity is being negotiated by committee. EVIDENCE ITEM 2: His voice changes pitch mid-sentence, sometimes sounding like a full-grown man and other times like someone doing a bad impression of a full-grown man. EVIDENCE ITEM 3: Last week he asked me what "taxes" were. He works in FINANCE.
EVIDENCE ITEM 4: During the holiday party, Vincent excused himself to "go to the bathroom" and I'm pretty sure I heard three separate toilet flushes in rapid succession. EVIDENCE ITEM 5: He claims his favorite food is "probably pizza" with the cadence of someone guessing what adults eat.
OUTCOME: We've reviewed Vincent Adultman's personnel file. His background check cleared, his references were verified, and he has a valid driver's license. However, we cannot account for why his emergency contact is listed as "my dad, I mean, myself, because I am an adult." Vincent has since resigned to pursue "business transactions at the stock market." Timothy has been placed on administrative leave for unrelated reasons.
Under Review
RE: Someone Keeps Microwaving Fish and I Will Find Them
For the sixth consecutive week, someone on the third floor has been microwaving fish during lunch hours. The smell has permeated the entire floor, the elevator shaft, and possibly my soul. I have launched a personal investigation to identify the culprit. HR should be aware of my findings and also possibly intervene before I do something regrettable.
SUSPECTS: I have narrowed it down to five people who consistently disappear between 12:15 and 12:45 PM. Kevin from IT claims he's "just taking a walk" but I've noticed he returns smelling faintly of tartar sauce. Barbara from Legal always seems to have a knowing smile when the smell peaks. Suspicious.
I've installed a personal air quality monitor at my desk. When salmon levels exceed acceptable thresholds, I begin my patrol. Last Thursday I caught Kevin holding a Tupperware container with a suspicious sheen. He claimed it was chicken. It was not chicken.
OUTCOME: We appreciate your... thoroughness. After reviewing security footage, we've identified the fish microwaver as the CEO's mother, who visits Wednesdays. We cannot discipline her. We've ordered industrial-strength air fresheners. Please discontinue your surveillance activities, as Kevin has filed a counter-complaint about "being followed to the break room with a clipboard."
Resolved
RE: My Manager Uses Reply-All for Everything and I Want Justice
This is a formal complaint about my manager, Derek "Reply-All" Henderson, who has not used a targeted email recipient since 2019. Every single communication—performance reviews, lunch orders, personal medical updates—goes to the entire company. I learned about his colonoscopy results before I learned about my own promotion.
Last month, Derek replied-all to a thread with 400+ recipients to say "Thanks!" Just "Thanks!" with an exclamation point. My inbox literally crashed. The IT department had to implement emergency protocols. Someone in Singapore replied-all asking to be removed from the thread, triggering 847 more reply-all requests to be removed.
The final straw came when Derek reply-all'd his grocery list. "Milk, eggs, that yogurt Sharon likes, the GOOD bread." The entire Finance department now knows Derek's wife Sharon has specific yogurt preferences.
OUTCOME: This complaint was sent via reply-all to the entire HR department, all executive leadership, and accidentally the external auditors. The irony has been noted. Derek has been enrolled in "Email Communication Fundamentals." So have you. Session is Thursday. Please confirm attendance by replying ONLY to me.
Under Review
RE: The Bathroom Stall Gap Is a Violation of Human Rights
I wish to formally complain about the architectural crime that is the gap in the men's bathroom stall doors. The gap is approximately 1.5 inches wide. This is enough for full eye contact with anyone who walks past. I have made accidental eye contact with the CEO, my direct reports, and a maintenance worker named Carl who now waves at me in the hallway like we're old friends.
Last week, I was mid-situation when someone stopped at the gap to check their phone. They stood there for forty-five seconds. FORTY-FIVE SECONDS of me frozen, afraid to move, breathing carefully, praying they would just leave. They didn't leave. They made a phone call. About their car insurance. I know their deductible now. I know it's $500.
OUTCOME: Facilities has been notified. They claim the gap is "for safety" in case someone collapses and needs emergency assistance. We pointed out that fire codes require doors that actually latch. They said they'd "look into it" in the same tone they've said it for the past six years. We've ordered you a desk fan. It was supposed to be door extensions but the supply order got mixed up.
Resolved
RE: My Coworker's Keyboard Sounds Like Assault
I am reporting a workplace hazard: Thomas from Engineering's mechanical keyboard. The device produces approximately 87 decibels of clicking per keystroke. This exceeds OSHA noise exposure limits. I have recorded evidence that I will provide upon request.
Thomas claims his keyboard is "necessary for productivity." Thomas types approximately 40 words per minute. I have timed him. His productivity is not the issue. His keyboard sounds like a tiny army marching across my desk. Click. Click. Click. CLICK. All day. Every day. It haunts my weekends.
I bought Thomas a silent keyboard as a gift. He said it "didn't have the right feel" and continued assaulting the office with his cherry MX blue switches, which I now know are specifically designed to be the loudest switches available.
OUTCOME: After mediation, Thomas has agreed to install rubber o-rings on his keyboard switches. This reduces sound by approximately 10%. Karen has agreed that 10% is "better than nothing." Thomas now works exclusively from home. Problem solved.
Legendary
RE: Someone Is Stealing My Clearly Labeled Lunch
This is my fourth complaint about lunch theft. My lunch is CLEARLY LABELED. The label says "JESSICA'S LUNCH - DO NOT EAT - THIS MEANS YOU." It has been eaten four times this month. The thief even ate my label once. They ate the LABEL. What kind of monster eats a paper label?
I have escalated my security measures. My lunch bag now contains: a label, a secondary label under the first label, a small note inside the bag threatening legal action, and my leftover pasta which SOMEONE KEEPS EATING DESPITE ALL OF THIS.
On Tuesday, my lunch was stolen and replaced with a note that said "Sorry, was hungry." I AM ALSO HUNGRY. THAT'S WHY I BROUGHT LUNCH.
OUTCOME: We cannot install cameras in the break room or conduct polygraph tests. However, we've approved a small safe for your lunch. It fits in the refrigerator. The combination is 1-2-3-4. Please do not share it. We've also scheduled a "Respect in the Workplace" refresher for all employees, focusing on "respecting other people's sandwiches."
Classified
RE: The Office Temperature Is Either Antarctica or the Surface of the Sun
I would like to report that whoever controls the thermostat in this building has absolutely no concept of human comfort. On Monday, I could see my breath. On Tuesday, I was sweating through my dress shirt by 9 AM. On Wednesday, both happened in the same hour.
I have spoken to Facilities. They claim the thermostat is set to a "consistent 72 degrees." This is a lie. Either the thermostat is possessed by a demon with temperature-based mood swings, or Facilities has no idea how HVAC systems work.
At 2:47 PM every single day, the system makes a noise like a dying whale and then blasts cold air for exactly 23 minutes. I HAVE TIMED THIS. It is not random. It is targeted harassment from the building itself.
OUTCOME: We've alerted Facilities again. They've determined the issue is that our HVAC system was designed in 1987 for a building with 40 employees. We now have 400 employees. The system is "doing its best." There is no budget for upgrades until 2031. Here's a branded company fleece. It's the same one the CEO wears. He's also cold.
Resolved
RE: The Microwave Incident
I am formally reporting that GARY from the SALES department has, for the THIRD time this week, microwaved SALMON in the break room. The smell has permeated three floors. Two interns have quit. I can still taste it in my coffee. I don't know how, but I can.
This is a hostile work environment. I didn't go to CORNELL for this.
OUTCOME: Fish is now banned from all BDI microwaves. Gary was moved to the Siberian branch office. He claims to enjoy it there.
Legendary
RE: Conference Room B Situation
I walked into Conference Room B at 2:47 PM expecting a budget meeting. Instead, I found KEVIN from Marketing and JENNIFER from Legal engaged in what I can only describe as "aggressive team bonding that violated at least four sections of the employee handbook."
I have several questions:
1. Why was the budget meeting not cancelled?
2. Who approved the candles?
3. Where did they get a karaoke machine on company property?
I will be taking the rest of the week off for mental health purposes. Do not contact me.
OUTCOME: Conference Room B is now the Crying Room. New policy requires all rooms to be booked via Outlook. The karaoke machine was returned to Kevin's car.
Under Review
RE: Petra Blackwood's "Grading System"
I am writing to formally complain about PETRA BLACKWOOD from Onboarding sending my emails back to me with RED PEN CORRECTIONS and a LETTER GRADE.
I am the CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER of this company. I should not be receiving C-minuses on my internal communications. The note "See me after class" was particularly humiliating given that I am 54 years old.
Please advise on how to proceed. She scares me.
OUTCOME: Still under review. Petra has not responded to requests for comment. She left a sticky note that said "I'll respond when the report is properly formatted." It wasn't.
Classified
RE: The Séance
I don't know how to officially report this, but during Raven's "team-building séance" in the supply closet, something happened that I cannot explain and am legally advised not to describe in writing.
What I CAN say:
- The lights did not "just flicker"
- MARCUS FROM ACCOUNTING did not "trip" into the filing cabinet
- The voice was NOT from a Bluetooth speaker
- We found out things about Q4 projections that TURNED OUT TO BE 100% ACCURATE
I am requesting a transfer to a different floor. Preferably one without demonic energy.
OUTCOME: CLASSIFIED. All participants signed additional NDAs. Raven was given a raise. Nobody discusses this.
Resolved
RE: Wine Wednesdays Getting Out of Hand
I am concerned that "Wine Wednesday" has become "Wine All Week" under Harper Frost's influence. Yesterday I witnessed:
- A Cabernet being served at 9:15 AM (during standup)
- The CFO openly weeping into his Merlot about "the numbers"
- An unauthorized cheese platter appearing in the boardroom
- Someone proposing a toast "to the downfall of our enemies"
I don't know who our enemies are. I don't think anyone does. But we toasted anyway.
OUTCOME: Wine Wednesdays officially capped at post-lunch hours. Harper negotiated an exception for "emergency wine situations." Definition of emergency remains deliberately vague.
Legendary
RE: Holiday Party - Multiple Concerns
Where do I even begin.
1. The COMPANY LOGO ice sculpture cost $47,000. IT MELTED IN THREE HOURS.
2. Who gave THE CEO the karaoke mic? He sang "All I Want for Christmas Is You" FOUR TIMES.
3. The proposal in the middle of the dance floor was uncomfortable for everyone, especially since SHE SAID NO. They still sit next to each other. It's been three weeks.
4. Security was called. I'm told this is "routine." It should not be.
5. Where did the LIVE REINDEER come from? There was no PETTING ZOO on the approved vendor list.
6. The photos of the CEO in the Santa costume are now being used as "leverage" by at least three people.
I have been at this company for 11 years. This was, somehow, not the worst holiday party.
OUTCOME: New holiday party budget cap implemented. CEO Santa photos remain in circulation. Noelle Sterling was promoted. Nobody knows why.
Under Review
RE: The CEO's Newsletter
I am writing to express concern about the CEO's new weekly newsletter, "Chad's Corner" (now renamed multiple times, currently "Leadership Insights").
Last week's edition included:
- A 2,000-word review of his new electric scooter
- His fantasy football picks (he was wrong about all of them)
- A "motivational poem" that rhymed "synergy" with "energy" four times
- A photo of him at a winery with the caption "Leaders drink deep"
Reading it is mandatory. Enjoying it is not possible.
OUTCOME: Pending. The CEO has been informed. He responded with a 3,000-word newsletter about "handling criticism gracefully." It made things worse.
Resolved
RE: Parking Spot Reassignment
I have worked at this company for NINE YEARS. My parking spot, #47, was just reassigned to KEVIN, who has been here ELEVEN MONTHS and does not even own a car.
When I asked Natasha Volkov about this, she simply LOOKED at me until I apologized and left.
I don't know what I apologized for. I still don't have a parking spot. Kevin still doesn't have a car.
OUTCOME: Resolved. Complainant was assigned Parking Spot #213, which is technically in the building next door. Natasha's methods remain unquestioned.
Legendary
RE: The Reply-All Incident
At 9:47 AM this morning, DEREK FROM MARKETING accidentally Reply-All'd to the entire company (4,247 employees) with the following message:
"I cannot BELIEVE Jessica got the promotion over me. Everyone knows she only got it because she laughs at all of Chad's jokes. This company is a JOKE. Also, who keeps stealing my yogurt from the fridge? I know it's you, OTHER DEREK."
There are 14 Dereks at this company. All 14 have now filed complaints. Jessica has filed a complaint. Chad has NOT filed a complaint but is "deeply wounded." The yogurt thief remains at large.
OUTCOME: Derek was terminated. Other Derek was cleared of yogurt theft. A new role was created: "Reply-All Prevention Specialist." We are currently hiring. See the Careers page.