Summary
Republican mega-donors Dick and Liz Uihlein, major backers of Trump, surveyed employees at their company, Uline, on their voting preferences for the upcoming U.S. election. Uline is based in swing-state Wisconsin, critical for presidential candidates.
Marketed as “anonymous,” the survey requested employees sign in, raising privacy concerns and skepticism among staff.
Liz Uihlein dismissed concerns, calling the survey “for fun” and voluntary, though legal experts warn that such employer requests can be intimidating and may increase employee anxiety.
Federal and state laws prohibit voter intimidation, with Wisconsin specifically criminalizing vote solicitation.
So the main office, which I didn’t visit personally, but some from my team did, was treated almost reverently. It was business professional dress code, even for technical staff, which seems really out of touch these days. Ties and blazer and suit pants. I feel like I remember casual work days were maybe once per quarter or less? And they were still business casual.
I heard things like you never, ever walked on the grass. Ever. Company affirmations and cheerleading. Things like that. And they would browbeat employees. Massive social pressure to conform and to make the company part of your identity.
Cult might be a little strong, but definitely creepy vibes.
Nope, “cult” is not too strong a word. Those are cult tactics.