Jan 26, 2008 — The Duality of the Workplace

This workplace has a distinct dual nature. We are Canadians that handle American calls. It is pretty disturbing to know that Americans hope that we assimilate to their level of language and mindset. Because NuCOMM is a call center, it takes call flow from just about anywhere that it can increase its profits. There are several campaigns in the workplace such as “Comcast,” “Brighthouse,” “Quest,” “Sirius Satellite Radio,” “Vonage,” and the pathetic “Cogeco.” These are clients of NuCOMM and we are hired by NuCOMM and trained by them.

Essentially, NuCOMM trains us in the client material, like Comcast’s training product knowledge, for example.  When training is complete and I hit the floor, I am expected to act like an American. This way, Americans know they are talking to their fellow Americans. Workplace Canadianisms are the only icons that bring us back to our true identities. During a call, I become an American for 5 minutes until I revert back to my normal “eh”-saying self.

Every time I encounter a discussion with an American, the more difficult it is to believe in a separation of identities or culture. Since they are directly below us, it is difficult for me to say that he’s American and I’m Canadian. At this moment, there is an identity crisis between my position of citizenry. Canadianisms function as a comeback to our natural historical heritage. It’s important to bring this back because team leaders rely on communicating through set historical codes and language, particularly the sensitive spelling differences between Americans and Canadians. My workplace is full of these Canadianisms that help to isolate and eliminate these dual identity structures. I believe that this is an internal confusion of place and identity.