You can’t do half of what a man can,” he said, leaning closer. “In 10 minutes, I’ll explain the new rules,” he added before walking into his office. As soon as Mr.
Brecker disappeared, the room filled with murmurs. People whispered to each other, their voices low but angry. “Did you hear him?
He’s awful!”
“Such a sexist!”
“He thinks he’s better than all of us!”
Kira stood still, her foot tapping the floor as she tried to think. Michael came over, concern on his face. “Kira, what are you going to do?” he asked.
“For now, we wait and see,” she said. Mr. Brecker stepped out of his office, his face stern, and the room fell silent.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, eyes fixed on him, waiting. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Alright, listen up,” he began, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Starting today, if you’re late, even by a minute, there’s going to be a penalty.” A few employees exchanged uneasy glances, but he kept going. “And lunch breaks? They’re down to 20 minutes.
No exceptions. That’s the new policy.”
A few people shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Mr.
Brecker continued, “We’re putting tracking software on all the computers. It’s going to monitor how much time you’re actually working. And if I see anyone slacking off—just know, you’re out.
No warnings, no second chances.”
Murmurs spread, but he ignored them. “During work hours, no personal talk. Focus only on your tasks.
Vacation requests must be made six months in advance. Phones and messaging apps are banned unless they’re for work purposes. Also, all bonuses are canceled.
We need to cut costs.”
The room was silent, filled with shock and disbelief. “I’m sorry your manager is a woman,” Mr. Brecker said, his voice loud and dismissive, “but I think we’ll change that soon.” He turned and walked back to his office, leaving the rest of the staff in stunned silence.
It felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. People exchanged confused, angry, and nervous looks, but no one spoke up. Kira sat at her desk, her hands clenched into fists.
She took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. She knew she had to do something. She couldn’t just let this happen.
Slowly, she stood up. Michael, who had been watching her, walked over and whispered, “Where are you going, Kira?”
“I’m going to talk to him,” she said. Michael’s eyes widened.
“Do you really think he’ll listen?”
“I don’t know, Michael. But I’d be a fool if I didn’t at least try,” she said. She walked over to Mr.
Brecker’s office, her footsteps firm and purposeful. She raised her hand and knocked. “Come in,” Brecker’s cold voice called out.
Kira pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it behind her. “Do you have any questions about the new rules?”
“More like objections,” Kira said. “Under these conditions, people will struggle to do their jobs.
Productivity will drop, not improve.”
Mr. Brecker leaned back. “My experience says otherwise.
I’ve run many companies. I’ve always achieved high results.”
“But people work best when they feel respected and happy,” Kira said. “If they’re scared or stressed, they can’t do their best.”
“People are disposable,” Mr.
Brecker replied with a shrug. “If they can’t handle it, I’ll hire new ones. Simple.”
Kira’s expression hardened.
“This company is worth nothing without the people who work here,” she said. Mr. Brecker slammed his hand on the desk, his face twisting with anger.
“I don’t want to hear this nonsense!” he shouted. “I don’t need advice from a manager, especially a woman! Go back to the kitchen you came from and stop getting in the way of men working!”
Kira felt her heart pounding, but she refused to back down.
She turned, her hand gripping the door handle. “Fine. But you’ll regret treating people this way,” she said, her voice calm but firm.
She opened the door and left, slamming it behind her. The next few weeks were a living hell for everyone. Mr.
Brecker fired six people without warning. Each day, it felt like someone new was missing. But he didn’t bother to hire replacements.
The workload just grew heavier, falling on the rest of the team. Exhaustion showed on everyone’s faces. Morale sank lower, and the stress was almost unbearable.
One morning, Kira kept glancing at the clock, her anxiety growing. Michael was already 30 minutes late, and he was never late. Finally, she heard the elevator ding, and he stepped out, looking tired and stressed.
“Where have you been?” Kira asked. “Get to your desk before Mr. Brecker sees you.”
Michael sighed.
“My sister—” he started, but before he could finish, Mr. Brecker’s voice cut through the air. “What was I not supposed to see?” Mr.
Brecker said. “An employee strolling in almost forty minutes late?”
Michael turned to face him. “Yes, sir, I’m sorry.
My sister was in a car accident. I had to pick her up from the hospital.”
Kira’s eyes widened. “Oh my god, is she okay?” she asked, genuinely concerned.
Michael nodded. “Yes. She just has a minor concussion.
She’ll be fine.”
“I don’t care about your excuses,” Mr. Brecker said flatly. Kira stepped forward.
“But this was an emergency. It’s not like he overslept or something.”
“I don’t care,” Mr. Brecker repeated, cutting her off.
“Michael, I had been thinking of promoting you to manager. But not anymore; now you’re getting a fine.”
Michael’s face flushed with anger. “You can’t be serious!
My sister was in an accident, and you think this is fair?”
“Watch your tone, or I’ll fire you,” said Mr. Brecker. Michael clenched his fists and took a step back.
“Don’t worry about it. I quit!” he shouted, walking back into the elevator. Mr.
Brecker shrugged. “Everyone is replaceable,” he said, turning back to his office. Kira watched the elevator doors close, her heart heavy.
“This is impossible,” one of the employees said quietly. “We can’t keep working like this.”
Kira took a breath, then nodded. “I know what we need to do,” she said.
“But I need every one of you to stand with me.”
Twenty minutes later, Kira walked into Mr. Brecker’s office, holding a thick stack of papers. She set them down firmly on his desk.
Mr. Brecker glanced at them, frowning. “What’s this?” he asked.
“Resignation letters,” Kira said, her tone calm. Mr. Brecker’s eyes narrowed.
“From whom?”
“From every single employee,” Kira replied. “Each person in this office.”
Mr. Brecker’s face turned red.
“Are you kidding me?” he shouted, slamming his fist on the desk. “Where am I supposed to find that many replacements?”
Kira didn’t flinch. “That’s not my problem anymore,” she said, her voice steady.
“You were the one who said people are disposable.”
Without another word, she turned and headed for the door. Mr. Brecker jumped up from his chair, following her out.
When he stepped into the main office, he saw empty desks and dark screens. Kira was already stepping into the elevator. “Wait!” he yelled, running after her, but the doors slid shut, leaving him standing there, fuming.
After that day, Kira decided to start her own business. She wanted to create a place where people felt respected and valued. She reached out to all her former colleagues, offering them jobs, and they were more than happy to join her.
Together, they built a new company, one where everyone had a voice. Kira made Michael the manager, knowing he had the skills and passion to lead. A few months later, they read an article in the news.
Their old workplace had shut down. It turned out Mr. Brecker couldn’t find enough new staff, and the company failed.
It was the end of his career, and he faded away, forgotten. Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
Source: amomama
