Wrangling Workplace Worms: Keep It Sealed or Let It Squirm?
Let’s talk about worms. Not the wriggly garden kind (though, respect to them for aerating the soil), but the metaphorical kind — the ones that burst out when you innocently say, “Actually, I have a question…” in a meeting that was two minutes from finishing.
We all know the warning: Don’t open that can of worms. But honestly, sometimes the worms need a little sunlight.
Worm Identification
Our workplace worms come in a few different forms, and this can shape how you manage them.
Canned worms are tidy. Preserved. Conveniently labelled. You know what you’re getting — a nice, predictable mess. That’s the project post-mortem that everyone knows will surface a few regrets and some passive-aggressive notes, but at least it’s contained. Pop the lid, discuss, reseal with learnings. Done.
Fresh worms, on the other hand, are wild and slippery. They come wriggling out of nowhere — often on a Friday afternoon when someone says, “While we’re all here…” These worms don’t care about boundaries or calendars. They’ll crawl right through your weekend plans.
Frozen worms? That’s the stuff we buried months ago and now pretend doesn’t exist. The risk with defrosting them is that they come back colder, smellier, and twice as squirmy. Proceed with tongs.
When Not to Open Worms at Work
Sometimes, discretion isn’t avoidance — it’s damage control. Keep the lid on until you’ve got gloves, context, and a mop. When do you keep the lid on it?
When emotions are high and logic has left the building.
When the problem is more about venting than fixing.
When the timing means you’ll drop a truth bomb and then go on leave.
When the people who really need to be there are “unavailable until next quarter.”
When It’s Good to Release the Worms
On the other hand, if you suspect there’s something wriggling under the surface, ignoring it won’t make it go away. Worms multiply in silence. Open the can early, while the problem’s still small enough to name — not when it’s evolved into a multi-headed hydra of dysfunction.
Healthy workplaces know that some worms are actually nutritious. They feed growth, understanding, and better systems. It’s all about portion control: open one can at a time, don’t bring them to lunch, and always clean up after yourself.
The Final Scoop
Every workplace has a pantry full of cans no one wants to touch. But a brave leader — or just a reasonable human — knows that occasionally, you’ve got to lift the lid, take a deep breath, and deal with what’s inside.
Because worms, unlike secrets, don’t stay canned forever.