The Ethics of Work: Lessons from "Severance" and What Lies Ahead
(Publishing note/Spoiler warning): I held off on releasing this article until the season 2 finale of Severance aired to avoid any spoilers. There are mild spoilers regarding the character arcs but no specific plot points discussed. The article is written from the perspective of being the first in the series, though it was published out of order. )
Imagine a world where your work life is completely separated from your personal life—a world where your true self is hidden away every day. This is the idea behind the Apple TV+ show Severance. While the show is a work of fiction, it raises real questions about the ethics of modern workplaces. How much of ourselves should we leave at work? And what happens when our work environment doesn’t live up to the values we hold dear?
A Glimpse Into the Future
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore several topics that show how an unethical work environment can affect us on many levels. We’ll look at:
The Hidden Costs of Silence: How staying quiet in the face of unethical behavior can harm you and your workplace.
Recognizing Ethical Red Flags: How to spot warning signs before small issues turn into big problems.
Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health: How a toxic workplace can impact your overall well-being and what you can do about it.
Building an Ethical Workplace: Steps for entrepreneurs and leaders to create a culture of integrity.
Transforming a Toxic Environment: How leaders can turn things around even when ethics have been compromised.
What Severance Teaches Us
Severance presents a dystopian scenario where employees undergo a procedure that completely separates their work memories from their personal lives. This concept challenges us to consider the importance of having a unified self and the ethical implications of compartmentalizing our identities. The show asks: what happens when the very core of who we are is split in two, and how might that impact our decision-making and moral compass?
Take Mark, for example, the team lead who struggles with the loss of his personal memories during work hours. His inner conflict symbolizes the ethical dilemma of sacrificing self-awareness for the sake of productivity. Mark’s journey shows us that disconnecting from our true selves can lead to a loss of empathy and blurred ethical judgment. It poses a critical question: can you truly lead others if you are not fully in touch with your own values and emotions?
Then there’s Helly, a new hire who immediately challenges the status quo. Her resistance to the imposed system highlights the courage it takes to question practices that compromise personal integrity. Helly’s experience underscores an important lesson: no one should have to forgo their identity or ethical standards to fit into a corporate mold. Her character reminds us that speaking up—even when it feels risky—is vital for maintaining both personal and collective integrity in the workplace.
Dylan offers another perspective on the struggle within this divided system. His character often grapples with the conflicting demands of loyalty to the organization and the need to preserve his own moral compass. Dylan’s journey illustrates the internal battle between conforming to unethical norms and finding a personal path that honors his values. His subtle acts of defiance and moments of quiet introspection reveal that even in a system designed to erase individuality, the spark of personal ethics can endure.
Irving, on the other hand, embodies the tension between loyalty and ethical introspection. His strict adherence to company procedures, despite the underlying issues, raises concerns about the cost of blind conformity. Irving’s dilemma invites us to reflect on how following rules without questioning their fairness can lead to a culture where unethical practices are normalized. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of valuing order over ethical responsibility.
Ms. Cobel and Milchick represent the enforcers of Lumon’s unethical system, each embodying different aspects of corporate control and moral compromise. Ms. Cobel, despite being deeply loyal to the company, exhibits moments of personal conflict, suggesting that even those in power can struggle with the weight of the system they uphold. Her manipulative tactics and secretive behavior highlight how leaders can justify unethical actions in the name of maintaining order. Milchick, on the other hand, takes a more hands-on approach, using rewards and punishments to control employees while rarely questioning the morality of his actions. His ability to switch between a charming demeanor and ruthless enforcer underscores the dangers of prioritizing obedience over ethical considerations. Together, their characters serve as a warning about the consequences of unchecked authority and the moral erosion that comes with enforcing harmful corporate policies.
Overall, Severance uses its unique narrative to explore how deeply work can influence who we are. The series reminds us that when ethical standards are compromised, the effects ripple through every aspect of our lives—affecting our mental, physical, and even spiritual well-being. By examining the personal struggles of its characters, the show challenges us to consider how we might foster a more integrated and ethically sound approach to work, paving the way for the upcoming discussions in our series.
A Call to Reflection
As we embark on this series, think about your own work experience. Have you ever felt that your work environment made you question your values or left you feeling disconnected? Your insights and experiences are important, and I invite you to share your thoughts along the way.
In our next articles, we’ll go deeper into each of these topics and explore practical steps for creating a more ethical and healthy work life. Stay tuned as we uncover how speaking up, recognizing red flags, and even transforming toxic environments can lead to lasting change.
Have you ever noticed your work affecting your well-being in unexpected ways? Let’s start the conversation. Share your story in the comments below, or reach out to me directly if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.
