Employee shamed by boss in public, asked to say thank you after humiliation

Workplace culture often emphasizes accountability and learning from mistakes, but when that balance is lost, employees can be subjected to public humiliation that crosses professional boundaries. A recent discussion online highlighted a situation where a manager criticized staff in front of colleagues over minor error, turning what should be constructive feedback into a toxic and demoralizing experience.

Gratitude Expected for Mistreatment

A Reddit user shared that a small oversight in a report led to an unexpected confrontation during a team meeting. Instead of addressing the mistake privately, the manager raised their voice, calling the employee careless and unprofessional, and holding them responsible for project delays. The experience left the employee feeling embarrassed, undermined, and disrespected.

Following the public reprimand, the manager reportedly framed the incident as a “learning opportunity,” expecting appreciation rather than offering support. The employee also highlighted the added pressure of being required to work overtime without extra pay to fix the mistake, describing the environment as toxic and humiliating.

Advice on Handling Public Criticism
Reddit commenters pointed out systemic issues behind such management behavior. Some noted that salaried positions often come with unspoken expectations to handle workloads designed for multiple employees without additional compensation. Others advised striking a balance between meeting professional obligations and avoiding burnout by setting clear boundaries.

Several contributors emphasized best practices, such as offering praise in public but delivering corrective feedback privately. Strategies for employees included disengaging from unnecessary overwork, protecting personal well-being, and planning next career moves. Recognizing such incidents as a reflection of a manager’s character can also help in deciding whether to remain in the role.

Users discussed how managers lacking empathy may use fear and public shaming as a control tactic, sometimes affecting performance reviews unfairly. Workplace experts recommend documenting incidents and, if necessary, seeking guidance from HR or legal resources to address these toxic patterns effectively.