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Asking service workers how much they like their employer is a less-than-perfect surveying tool. Why would they trash-talk Uber and risk getting a lower rating f

Asking service workers how much they like their employer is a less-than-perfect surveying tool. Why would they trash-talk Uber and risk getting a lower rating from you?

marincounty 11y ago
I have met very few people who will publicically critise their current employment, or current employment; no matter how terrible the job is? I guess it's denial? Or, just making the best if a bad situation? Or, just shutting up the nosey individual who needs to ask questions? If Uber decides to become a fair employer; their will still be a maryiad a shifts workers will be able to choose from. If they become a "Slumlord" employer, and abuse their employees, they will be just shooting themselfs in the foot? Meaning the caliper, and quality of employee will fall to fast food establishment levels. Let's be honest, the real reason we used Uber is because we knew a person who kinda acted like us would show up at our residence?
- mikeash 11y ago
  Few people will publicly criticize their current employment, but many people will give a noncommittal or vaguely positive answer when asked how they like their job if they don't really like it that much. It's a case where "It's good" means it's probably bad, and "I love it because X Y and Z" means it's good. You can't take people's word for it, but you can still easily tell what they probably actually think.
mikeash 11y ago
Most people aren't good actors. When they spend 20 minutes talking about how great Uber is and how much taxi companies suck and how much happier they are now (as I've had) it's pretty safe to say it's not just an act to somehow get a better rating.
henrikschroder 11y ago
Why would anyone give a driver a lower rating if he talked crap about his employer?!?
1024core 11y ago
So, I happened to take an Uber last night again. The driver was a guy who moves between cities: SF, LA (and one more, I think it was Sacramento). He was quite happy with the flexibility, that he could work Uber when he was between gigs. "Just turn on my app, start making money, turn it off when I'm done". No hours, no expectations. And he used to drive cabs; never again, he said. Another data point: my barber (who I've known for 5+ years) told me that he's started driving Uber on the side. Before the shop opens, and if he has no appointments in the morning, he just starts giving rides. He also was very happy about the flexibility. It's a way to supplement his income. I have yet to meet an Uber driver who feels "exploited" or taken advantage of. I really don't understand where this is coming from; my guess is it's the taxi industry? Which is ironical, since the taxi industry has been abusing drivers for decades with their medallion system.

Asking service workers how much they like their employer is a less-than-perfect surveying tool. Why would they trash-talk Uber and risk getting a lower rating from you?

marincounty 11y ago

I have met very few people who will publicically critise their current employment, or current employment; no matter how terrible the job is? I guess it's denial? Or, just making the best if a bad situation? Or, just shutting up the nosey individual who needs to ask questions? If Uber decides to become a fair employer; their will still be a maryiad a shifts workers will be able to choose from. If they become a "Slumlord" employer, and abuse their employees, they will be just shooting themselfs in the foot? Meaning the caliper, and quality of employee will fall to fast food establishment levels. Let's be honest, the real reason we used Uber is because we knew a person who kinda acted like us would show up at our residence?

mikeash 11y ago
Few people will publicly criticize their current employment, but many people will give a noncommittal or vaguely positive answer when asked how they like their job if they don't really like it that much. It's a case where "It's good" means it's probably bad, and "I love it because X Y and Z" means it's good. You can't take people's word for it, but you can still easily tell what they probably actually think.

mikeash 11y ago

Most people aren't good actors. When they spend 20 minutes talking about how great Uber is and how much taxi companies suck and how much happier they are now (as I've had) it's pretty safe to say it's not just an act to somehow get a better rating.

henrikschroder 11y ago

Why would anyone give a driver a lower rating if he talked crap about his employer?!?

1024core 11y ago

So, I happened to take an Uber last night again. The driver was a guy who moves between cities: SF, LA (and one more, I think it was Sacramento). He was quite happy with the flexibility, that he could work Uber when he was between gigs. "Just turn on my app, start making money, turn it off when I'm done". No hours, no expectations. And he used to drive cabs; never again, he said. Another data point: my barber (who I've known for 5+ years) told me that he's started driving Uber on the side. Before the shop opens, and if he has no appointments in the morning, he just starts giving rides. He also was very happy about the flexibility. It's a way to supplement his income. I have yet to meet an Uber driver who feels "exploited" or taken advantage of. I really don't understand where this is coming from; my guess is it's the taxi industry? Which is ironical, since the taxi industry has been abusing drivers for decades with their medallion system.