The Silent Beneficiary: A Workplace Story
In every office, there’s that one person who seems to get everything without giving much in return. This story is about one such man who has mastered the art of receiving without giving a penny, all while maintaining a powerful position in the company. But what happens when your colleagues start to talk behind your back?
He’s the one everyone knows but nobody truly understands. A man whose pockets are never open for office treats, celebrations, or even casual tea shop outings. He’s been with the company for years, commanding one of the highest salaries in the office, yet he’s never contributed a dime. A figure of authority in the eyes of management but a silent burden for his colleagues.
Despite this, he’s a force to be reckoned with. His words are sharp, his criticisms pointed. He often reminds the team, “You all are avoiding your jobs in my hands,” his tone carrying the weight of someone who feels superior but never pays for his position. When it comes to work, he’s quick to point out mistakes—his revenge often executed in the form of QC checks, sending detailed emails of faults found in every piece of work.
There have been many complaints about him to the management, but the answer is always the same. “We need results, not personalities,” they say. And so, the team endures, working harder and better, out of sheer necessity, because he’s the only one left after 10 years in the company, the only ‘artist’ in a sea of employees.
In the break room, seven employees stand around, each of them taking a sip of tea, chatting quietly about their infamous colleague. The conversation begins innocently enough, but quickly turns to the subject of their silent benefactor.
- Ravi: "You know, I’ve been here for five years, and he’s been the same since day one. Never once has he paid for pizza or even bought us a single birthday cake. We all pay for everything—treats, samosas, chocolates, you name it."
- Meera: "Oh, don’t even get me started. We always have to chip in for his tea and snacks. It’s like he expects us to just cover him every single time. And every time we do, it’s the same—he’ll just sit there and act like he’s doing us a favor by showing up."
- Vikram: "I can’t believe he still has the nerve to act like he’s the boss. When he makes a mistake, he won’t admit it. Instead, he points out the smallest errors in everyone else’s work, then sends those cold emails, listing our faults like he’s on some mission to prove a point."
- Sanya: "And yet, he always manages to keep his position, doesn’t he? His salary is ridiculous, and what do we get? A pat on the back for working twice as hard. I don’t understand how the management tolerates him. Sure, he gets results, but at what cost?"
- Anil: "It’s infuriating. He’s been here longer than most of us, and yet when it comes to team spirit or treating us with respect, he’s nowhere to be found. I don’t even remember the last time he joined us for a team lunch or outing."
- Lina: "I’m used to it by now. We all know he won’t ever change, and we’ll always be the ones paying. But at the end of the day, we don’t have a choice. We need to work with him. He’s the only one who’s been here for so long, and he’s technically the ‘expert,’ even if he’s terrible at being a team player."
- Raj: "Honestly, I’ve given up. He’ll never change. We’ve tried complaining, but management keeps saying, ‘Focus on the work.’ It’s just exhausting. But you know what? We still do our jobs. We work hard, even if we have to pay for his treats every time."
The discussion reaches the ears of the boss, who quietly observes the team’s frustration but remains calm and collected. His response is firm, almost robotic in its detachment.
Boss (Mr. Gupta): "I hear your complaints. But remember, the job is about getting results, not about personal dynamics. He’s been here for a long time, and his experience is valuable. I understand your frustrations, but we cannot afford to focus on personal conflicts. We need to deliver work on time. That’s all we care about."
The words fall flat, leaving the team with no choice but to return to their tasks, knowing that no matter how hard they work or how many times they pay for his lunch, nothing will change. The salary disparity, the silent treatment, and the lack of teamwork will persist.
The employees, despite their complaints, continue their work with an unspoken understanding: they may never get the acknowledgment or fairness they deserve. But the job will go on, and the company will run smoothly, all because of their collective effort—while their colleague remains the silent beneficiary, reaping the rewards without ever contributing.
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