Is this a hostile work environment?
A Reader Asks This Question:
About 3mths ago I started a new position (Office Manager). There is a 120day probationary period (I have 3weeks left on probationary period).
I work in a office full of women (boss is a woman). I was sent to work on my own for 2week out of city work, my 2nd and 3rd week of employment. And when I got back, had a loose 2-3weeks training.
When I ask for help, I am getting brushed off. I was chewed out for work performance, although NEVER having a reprimand or otherwise. She belittles me when I ask for help. She answers really snotty rudely from time to time.I was not given examples or reasons as to why my work was “sub-par”.
I am afraid to ask for help for fear of being belittled / made fun of again. I am NOT asking if this is a suit-worthy issue. I am more so wondering if professional workplace environments are supposed to be like this? In my experience they are not.
My boss said I had 2 options. 1) quit or 2)do a 30day intense review under her. But being as she has gotten worse since last week’s chew-out. And since then, has not given 1 bit of “improvement ideas” to me.
I have copied her on ALL emails as she requests. I have started asking questions to make sure i am doing things as she desires. And I am trying to be a better office manager.
But I am afraid to go to her for help. Just this morning i got brused off and made to feel like a idiot again.
I talked to HR last week and they suggested that I stick it out. they said she could of easily fired me since i was probationary and i should look at this like a 2nd chance.
What is one to do if even HR says you’re pretty much “SOL”???
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4 Responses to Is this a hostile work environment?
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Start documenting everything she does and says before you go to HR. They’re going to want proof. That documentation will help you establish the pattern of abuse. Write down all the details; who, what, where, when, why.
Also make note if she singles you out due to race, gender, disability, etc.
You can protect yourself from getting fired by getting yourself into a protected class. At that point you’ll become bulletproof and she can’t fire you. Doing so would be retaliation and that’s illegal. Download a copy of Work Laws Exposed to find out how to do this.
I would go to HR to talk to them. It’s one of the reasons they’re there.
If I was in your situation, I would first ask her if we could sit down and discuss my performance, in private. I would ask her to go into detail so that I could improve. I’m not saying that you need to improve, but sometimes the boss gets stuck on a single point and realizes that things aren’t as bad as she is thinking. Maybe there are points that you are unaware of and she can let you know. It’s not easy nor fun asking for criticism but it can be very informative.
If the boss was unwilling to sit down with me or refuses to be specific, I would begin my job search all over again. I wouldn’t quit until I have a new job and I wouldn’t tell them that I am searching. Once I got the job, depending on how soon the new workplace needs me, I would give notice.
no that is not typical. Most bosses will provide better support than this lady.
Something else is going on in her person life such as divorce, drinking or drug abuse, health issues that is leading to this. I would stand up to her and demand some respect. Indicate this is unacceptable behavior. Tell her to bring on the "30 day intense review." Lets force her to use her timely in this manner for next month.
You have nothing to lose right now so I would complain up the ladder about her lack of professional behavior and her abusive nature. It will end up her in her file. who knows? Maybe it will be the straw breaks the camels back. You know her bosses want her out. They just need more amunition. Please make sure you inform them of her abusive nature. if she uses foul language make sure you point that out.