Most American workers are checked out, and like ‘The Office,’ their bosses are the last to know

Less than half of American workers feel that they clearly know what their employers expect from them. And many employees are too discouraged to do their best.

By: Bob Batchelor, Coastal Carolina University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 17, 2026

Words: 1,232

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Bob Batchelor, Coastal Carolina University

Michael Scott, the hapless regional manager at the center of the American version of “The Office” played by Steve Carell, believed he was the world’s best boss. He even had the mug to prove it.

Meanwhile, for most of the show’s 2005-2013 run, his employees endured pointless meetings, cringed through his speeches and quietly counted the hours until they could leave. The joke worked because so many viewers recognized …

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