https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/08/18/booz-allen-hamilton-lawsuit-migraines-disability/
This is a bad look for Booz Allen Hamilton.
But I’m not surprised at how awful this person was treated, there are definitely a ton of rotten things here, from general comp all the way to discrimination.
I don't get how it got to this point. It's not that difficult to find remote jobs.
Rising Star
It’s also not that difficult to counsel bad managers vs. firing productive employees…
That is terrible and I feel so bad for her. Migraines are no joke, I don't know how she's able to work. I get migraines once a year-ish but they completely debilitate me. I can't see (partial aura in one eye), think, or function. I'm totally bedridden for 1-2 days, and then recovering for another 2-3. Usually this means 1 or 2 sick days a year. I can't imagine multiple a month, that would actually make me want to unalive myself. Migraines are absolutely a disability.
My managers have been super super accommodating and clients have been very understanding, even at all my prior workplaces, not just for migraines but for life events in general. It's crazy how much of your experience at Booz comes down to your entire admin pyramid. Mine is amazing, but I have colleagues who've left after months because theirs have been terrible. A little bit of empathy/sympathy goes a long way.
That's very interesting. What percentage of employees are at the level and location to enjoy this? I was shocked to find out the paid time off shared in my offer was not vacation time, but rather any time away from office, including sick time.
I read the entirety of the lawsuit and suspect Booz will likely just settle with her.
Expect some enhanced training for OICs, PMs, CMs, and JLs
Lol what CM/JL training? You mean that incredibly generic “listen to your coworkers to show you care” online training that you have to complete as soon as you’re nominated to be a manager? Booz Allen doesn’t train managers in the specifics of laws like ADA, we’re told to “get in touch with people services” which is the least helpful advice when you’re trying to provide guidance to an employee in crisis.
The sad thing is I think I know what contract this is!
Anyone have specific feedback about EHRM contract, I am being recruited for it and now seeing this thread I am nervous :(
Completely believe this happened because something very similar happened to me. The client was ok with it my request but Booz leadership said no "due to optics". Thankfully, I was able to find another project and I was happy to learn that the contract lost its recompete.
There must be more to this story. Changing projects and funding remote or flexible ones never been an issue even before the pandemic.
I assure you, it is systemic! There is a lot of discrimination, workplace bullying, harassment. You just don't hear about it because ER staff are untrained bullies but trained well enough to brush things under the rug. These things never see the light of day because BAH usually settles with employees/former staff. It is a sad state of affairs. A lot of window dressing and lip service at this place!
What’s a “company-wide layoff freeze”? I know April 2020 seems like an eternity ago but I didn’t know the firm had a hiring freeze at any time during the pandemic.
Gotcha, thanks! I think I misunderstood lol
Not sure about the merits of this particular case, but this wouldn’t even be a problem if they just gave us an appropriate bank of sick leave. There’s no reason why someone should be expected to work at all while suffering from a migraine- they can be debilitating. Instead they give employees the option of working while activity suffering through injury and illness or cancelling their vacation.
Shameful…
These issues are not unique to Booz Allen but common in government contracting. What is especially disturbing in this is how the government treats contractors and how little companies like Booz, which is turning into a staffing agency for the government, can or will do. Even when they don’t lay off, they do very little to stand up for their consultants against abuse by government employees because they ultimately care more about revenue than the welfare of their employees.
Rising Star
It may be true that there are a lot of bullies at Booz (I haven’t personally experienced that in my 15 years at the firm, except once…and I’m still here and the bully is gone…), but the lawsuit has nothing to do with a manager not standing up to clients on behalf of an employee.
The client was actually supportive; the manager was the problem. This wasn’t an issue of revenue over employee welfare - it was an issue of a crappy manager on a power trip. That happens everywhere, in companies big & small. Worst manager I ever had was the VP of a 5-person company.