Controversy Over 'Executive Welcome Event' in Public Sector… Absurd Situation of Shouting "We Love You"

Recently, a public servant has sparked interest by exposing an absurd 'welcome event' that takes place during high-level executive visits to their department.

According to a post made by public servant A on the anonymous workplace community 'Blind' on the 15th, an executive from the local area visited A's department that day, and the employees held a 'welcome event.'

The event was planned by a team leader in the same department as a 'surprise welcome event,' and detailed instructions were communicated the day before through the department's messenger, requesting cooperation for participation.

The notice conveyed to the department included the title, "Dear (A's department) Family! We would like to inform you about the welcome event during the visit of (the executive) on Tuesday, so please actively participate," along with specific instructions.

Before the executive's arrival, all lights were to be turned off, and all employees were instructed to hide under their desks. There were also specific instructions to act as if 'no one is present.'

As soon as the executive entered and the lights were turned on, the designated personnel were instructed to raise their balloons and shout slogans.

The slogans were "Team 1: 'Strongest,' Team 2: 'Strongest,' Team 3: '(Department name ○○),'” and upon the team leader shouting "Strongest ○○," everyone was to simultaneously shout, "We love you, Executive."

The team leader then added, "As the executive visits once a year and it is a time for encouragement and greeting from each department, we ask for many people’s participation in welcoming," and mentioned they would practice the next morning.

A expressed, "It seems the team leader is eager to show off to get promoted quickly," and shared, "Employees are already busy, and this brings a sense of 'reality check.' I had to go along with it, but it left me feeling deeply ashamed."

Netizens reacted with comments like, "What are they doing?" "This is the charm of public organizations," "For our local government, this is mild," "Is it North Korea?" and "I can't believe this outdated idea still exists."

As the post spread across social media, critical reactions from citizens continued. One user pointed out, "I can't understand public servants receiving salaries from taxes holding such events during work hours,” adding that it is a "backward culture hard to find even in private companies."

This incident has been pointed out as a reflection of the authoritarian organizational culture still present in public service.

Preparing a welcome event for high-level executives instead of doing work during office hours starkly illustrates the inefficiencies in the public sector.

In particular, the younger generation of public servants, known as MZ generation, is expressing even greater resistance against such practices.

Excessive formalities toward superiors and ceremonial events undermine work efficiency and generate unnecessary stress within the organization. This raises concerns about the overall quality of public services, highlighting the need for efforts to improve organizational culture.

Image source: Reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, Blind