Disagreeing with Company Policy should you Voice Concerns
When you work for a company, that company has the obligation to respect you, and what you are. As an employee, you have certain standards that you have to live up to on a daily basis. You have to show up, you have to do the job to the best of your ability, and you have to make sure that everything you do makes the company look good, and help increase its profits.
In return for your help in making the company as good as it can be, you have the right to raise concerns over what policies the company might enact. If the company expects you to do your job, and represent the company in good faith, the company as an employer must be there to listen to you in good faith.
If there is a policy that you feel may not be up to the standards or values that you would live up to, you need to think before you storm into your bosses office demanding a repeal of the policy. You should consider who came up with the policy, what the overall direction the policy says the company is going in, and if it is really such a big deal.
For example if the CEO says in a memo that from now on, all workers must speak English, how do you react? If you don't speak English, do you learn how to speak English? If you do speak English, do you risk losing your job, or making yourself look bad by speaking up for those who can't no pun intended?
However, if your shift supervisor says that you can't chew gum at your register, is that really life altering? I say just spit out your gum, or chew in a manner that isn't obvious. Either way, it isn't something to complain about, although some will I assume.
If your CEO comes up with a policy that you don't like, you should first voice your displeasure in a diplomatic way. If the policy is that everyone must speak English, consider why. Is it better for customers if employees speak English? Is it easy to learn basic English? Is it just a workplace rule, or do all employees have to speak English at all times?
Generally speaking, you should talk to your immediate supervisor, and if others feel the same way, start a petition. The CEO will listen if enough of his employees are upset with the decision. If not, the CEO will probably be out of work soon.
You shouldn't voice a concern just to make some noise. Consider your reputation, and play the game as well as you can, and if you have to voice a concern do so in a calm way, and from a diplomatic angle, so that your voice will be heard. As long as you know what you believe in, and where you stand, you should let your values guide you, without throwing caution to the wind.
