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Comment by Balgair | Hacker News Reader

> You also run the risk of triggering an exodus of talent, since engineers will recognize this as the part where the bozos come in, and now the workplace isn't run by smart people who they can learn from.

The phenomenon is known as 'the elves leaving middle earth', per a 2009 Steve Blank post:

https://steveblank.com/2009/12/21/the-elves-leave-middle-ear...

Per Steve's post, the real wake-up call is typically some beancounter deciding to charge for the free sodas in the break room. But I would agree that hiring a bozo manager is equally as much of a wake up call.

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I one time quit a factory job after 1 day. They asked me why. It's simple, you have a coffee vending machine. This is simply to revealing. There are lots of assholes running companies but to put it on display like this is quite unusual, it means you are not even trying to hide it nor embarrassed by it. I need an employer who notices my effort and appreciates it or at least pretends to.

My advice for you, after I leave, you go pick up a few boxes of pastries for your employees. You've never done this, correct? Then I gave him the military salute and left not waiting for an answer.

Turned out he was the funny kind of blunt asshole. A year later I ran into someone still working there in that place where no one ever smiled. Apparently the boss got the boxes of pastries and told his employees it was my idea etc One employee told him I was right, I cant remember the last time you did anything nice because you never did, you are an asshole, you've always been, we should do this every week.

It was long long ago but I'm sure they still eat pastries every week.

I agree that free coffee (AND tea - do not discriminate) is considerate. But pastries are unhealthy for the individuals and by extension also for the company.

I was taking about pretending to care, what you mean is the actual. It wasn't fantastic but I think the place would have a reasonable view if you could look out of the windows, if it had windows. Daylight is good for peoples mood. Not having windows is known to improve productivity but going there makes you an asshole. When you have daylight you can also have nice plants in front of those windows. If you pay a professional it can look quite stunning. You'd be surprised in how many factories cleaning the floor is not a thing. People wear old cloths and get dirty while their work doesn't always involve dirt. I imagine social interaction outside work to be less likely if people dress as crappy as possible. You may drive me home but you cant come inside for a beer dirty like that? You can take suggestions and make a playlist if people have no objection. Play some music.

The difference between one company and the next (eventho they do similar things) can be pretty strange. My mind flashes back to a few places I could only describe as a different kind of death that might be worse than conventional death. haha

pastries are more unhealthy than coffee? well, i guess if it's decaf without sugar maybe.

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