A restaurant with two locations in São Paulo is at the center of a debate after posting a job opening that lists compliance with attitudes considered basic in the workplace as its criteria. The post, made by restaurante California on Instagram, quickly went viral and racked up more than 160,000 likes and 12,000 comments.
Requirements That Sparked Controversy
In the job description, the establishment seeks “people who can do the basics” and lists simple obligations, such as arriving on time, giving notice when absent and working the entire shift. The requirements also include not saying things like “I wasn’t hired for that,” not disappearing during the shift and treating coworkers and customers with respect.
The ad also emphasizes the value of skills considered less common, such as understanding the importance of teamwork, being able to listen to instructions and recognizing when to ask for help. The restaurant even suggests that candidates should quit if they don’t like the job offered.
The text points out that, even in 2026, these attitudes should be standard. The company also warns against asking for the job to go unregistered, to avoid fraud aimed at continuing to collect unemployment insurance.
“If you read all this and thought: ‘huh, but that’s the bare minimum,’ maybe you’re exactly who we’re looking for,” the ad concludes.
Divided Opinions Online
The message drew mixed reactions. Some users questioned the need to demand such elementary behavior, expressing skepticism about the profile of candidates today. Others defended the post, saying it is getting harder and harder to hire people willing to do the basics.
One user commented that including the phrase “don’t say ‘I wasn’t hired for that’” already says a lot about the work environment. Another user noted that only business owners understand how hard it is to hire these days, while one company suggested that older candidates, from the 1980s and 1990s, might adapt better to the requirements.
Owner’s Stance and Criticism of Labor Law
Businessman Bruno Miziara, owner of restaurante California, posted a video on Instagram to comment on the reaction to the job ad and argue for changes to the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). According to him, the ad is meant to provoke reflection on workers’ behavior.
He said he frequently sees a lack of respect toward employers, citing cases of employees who misuse medical certificates, disappear without notice or refuse to carry out certain tasks.
“Today, doing the basics, showing up on time, not missing work and doing your job, is what sets a worker apart,” Miziara said, stressing that this should not be the case.
The businessman also pushed back on criticism about wages, saying his company pays above-average salaries and offers benefits, yet still faces disrespect from some employees. He highlighted the financial difficulties of keeping his team and said the discussion needs to reach Congress and the Senate.
“We’re seen as the villains, but I work late and I’m not swimming in money. Many times I go without pay so I can pay my employees’ salaries, because I have a dream,” he concluded.
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