Ah, the corporate world. A land where the coffee is strong, the deadlines are tighter, and the bosses seem to have an uncanny ability to make everything about them. It seems like every other day, there’s a new headline about Fortune 500 CEOs demanding their employees return to the office. Spoiler alert: research suggests that these bosses might have a little bit of narcissism in their DNA.
As part of their six-year study, which included large-scale surveys, the authors established proxies for measuring Fortune 500 CEOs' egos, such as the size of their pay packages, the size of their signatures in company reports, and the size of their photos in company reports. CEOs with higher narcissism scores were more likely to seek more status, such as becoming chair of their company board, and were more likely to make negative statements about remote and hybrid work early in the pandemic
Now, before you start picturing your boss as a supervillain plotting world domination from a glass office high above the city, let’s break this down. According to recent studies, leaders who exhibit narcissistic traits often have a particular affinity for traditional work environments. You know, the ones where they can strut around in their expensive shoes and bask in the glow of fluorescent lights while you’re trying to figure out which day of the week it is.
But why the sudden push to get everyone back in the office? Well, it turns out that narcissists thrive on control and visibility. They want to be seen and to see others, which is a lot easier when everyone is physically present. It’s like they’re playing a game of corporate hide and seek, but instead of hiding, they just want to be the center of attention.
Let’s be real, working from home has its perks. You can wear pajamas all day, attend meetings in your living room, and if you’re lucky, your cat might even make a cameo during a video call. But for our narcissistic friends at the top, the remote work model can be a bit of a nightmare. With everyone scattered in their home offices, how can they possibly bask in the glory of their own brilliance?
And let’s not forget the praise. Narcissists love praise. They thrive on it like a plant in sunlight. When employees work from home, they may not be getting the constant affirmation they crave. Instead of hearing “great job” in the break room, they might be left with the sound of crickets. So, naturally, they’re going to want you back in the office where they can shower themselves with compliments (and maybe a few of yours too).
But what does this mean for the average worker? Well, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, you could be returning to a more collaborative environment, where ideas flow freely and creativity sparks. On the other hand, you might also have to deal with a boss who thinks their every thought is a groundbreaking revelation. Just what we all need, right?
In conclusion, while the push for employees to return to the office might come wrapped in the shiny package of productivity and collaboration, it’s worth peeling back the layers to see the narcissism lurking underneath. So, the next time your boss sends out a memo about returning to the office, take a moment to appreciate the complex psychology at play. And remember, if you see them strutting around like they own the place, well, they might just think they do.
Happy working (or not), everyone! Let’s just hope your office has good coffee.
Inspired by: “Fortune 500 bosses demanding staff return to the office share one trait: Narcissism, research finds” (r/technology)