It did not take long. Ms. Maureen came back and started with a discussion of what we are to expect for the duration of the tour.
"So as promised, I will taking for a tour around the company. You will see that EasyLanguages is not just a company but it is a well oiled machine that is operated and ran by talented and exemplary individuals. What I want you to remember is that all of you are a part of this well oiled machine. Please be observant of how we do things when you are assigned to a particular department." Ms. Maureen's voice was full of pride.
"So we will all ve assigned to each department at the same time? Is it safe to say that we are each other's competitors?" John asked condescendingly which made me roll my eyes mentally.
" You can treat it as a friendly competition. At the end of eight weeks you will be evaluated by your immediate department head and colleagues. So you should expect three evaluations from your supervisors and fifteen evaluations from your colleagues. Your regularization will depend mostly on your performance evaluation and your desire to stay here in the company." she said.
"Were there instances where an employee was terminated before the probationary period ended?" I asked curiously. I wonder if they terminate employees and what might be the possible reasons. I need the job. I want the job but right now, a part of me wants to leave. I don't know how long I can keep the lid on my emotions.
"There were times that we did terminate probationary employees, I have to admit that honestly. But let me assure you that the termination was of reasonable cause and it went through a fair due process. You see, if an employee commits a mistake that is against the company policy or have deliberately behaved in such a way that is damaging to the company's image, we give that person final written reprimand. If the said person committed another mistake, it may not be of the same nature but is still against the company policy, then that person will face our deliberation team for a hearing. If it was proven that a mistake was made then the termination proceeds." came Ms. Maureen detailed response to my question.
"But there were two instances when an employee was immediately fired without due process." she said quietly.
"What happened?" Ericka asked. Curiosity was evident in her voice. I have to admit it, I too was dying with curiosity.
" One was found out to have extra marital affair with a probationary employee. They were both fired since it was a clear violation of the law. The other one was fired because she tried to seduce the CEO. Our CEO maybe handsome and all, but he doesn't tolerate employees who goes out of the way to get his attention. In all the years that I have worked here, he never had an affair with any of his employees, though many have dreamed and have subtly attempted to do so." she looked at both me and Ericka.
Ericka looked at me with an unreadable expression on her face. I wonder what she was thinking. I suddenly remembered the conversation between me and Ashton earlier. Could it be? She must have heard something. I mentally shook my head. Impossible. Had she heard it, she already would have mentioned it. She will never just let it pass. I reassured myself despite the nasty feeling that I have. I looked away. I don't know why I did that but I found myself not having the capacity to hold her gaze. Was it because of my guilty conscience?
"Why are we very strict when it comes to conduct?" Jefferson asked. "If a relationship is formed between unattached employees, should they also be in cautionary behavior?"
"Within five years since this company was founded, we were nominated as one of the top 5 companies that boasts outstanding moral image. That is the reason why you would see young children coming here for a career trip. You all know that we are not just a publishing company but also a language center. Forty percent of the company's operation is the language center. We have students from all over the world who might have come from strict cultural orientation. We also cater to student as young as five years old who wants to learn a new language. All of these led to the foundation of the company's Magna carta. The Magna carta not only explicitly discusses the rules and policies of the company but it also protects both the employer and employee." she responded.
We were all silent while processing everything that Ms Maureen have discussed. She is right though. The reason why I really wanted to work here was because of its clean image to the public. I really wanted to know it a company this clean really exists or was it just a front. I once thought that the world was a wonderful place. That humans are beautiful and pure. I was sorely mistaken. I was taught a really painful lesson about how cruel life can be to us. A lesson that I will never be able to forget.
I was brought out of my reverie when I heard Jefferson's voice. "So we are not really at risk termination if we behave accordingly. Even if we have personal relationships, its okay as long as it does not affect our professional relationship." he stated.
"Have you ever encountered a couple who was amicable to each other after breaking up, Hunt?" Ashton butted in.
We all looked towards the door in surprise. We did not even realize that he was in the room. I guess he is one of the high ranking supervisors that would later on rate us.
"All break ups are messy no matter how the couple claims otherwise. It may not have made a lot of break up noises but it hinders them to give their one hundred percent if they are to work with each other." he added. Dislike and hatred heavy in his voice.
No one answered Ashton. He was, in a way right. Break ups were indeed messy. I know that for a fact while unconsciously looking at Ashton. When I saw that he was also looking at me, I immediately looked away which made him smile bitterly
When Ms. Maureen saw that Edison was just quietly watching Ashton, she introduced him to them.
"Newbies, I would like you to meet our CEO, Ashton Kempt." she said.