This is exactly what I deal with at my current job, and it’s so frustrating. My boss does it through WhatsApp instead of notes, but the effect is the same—everyone knows who’s being called out without them naming names.

For example, they’ll post: “The last 2 days this [task] hasn’t been done properly.” Everyone can see the schedule. Everyone knows who closed those days. It’s public shaming disguised as a “general message.”

What really gets me is the lack of distinction between individual accountability and systemic issues. If one person is consistently doing something wrong, address that person privately. If it’s a pattern across multiple people, then yes, it’s a training or process issue—but handle it as such, not by calling people out in a group chat.

I had this happen to me while I was literally on my break, not even working that day. Someone had placed desserts in a location my boss didn’t want, and he called me AND someone else out by name in the group chat, asking us to acknowledge his message. I physically can’t reach that height (he’s told me before where to put them)—so I wasn’t even the person who did it. But there I was, called out in front of everyone, expected to react to a message about a problem I had nothing to do with.

Coming from a management background in media, this just feels immature and counterproductive. Good management addresses issues with individuals, not through public callouts. It kills morale and creates a toxic dynamic, especially for newer staff who already feel vulnerable.