What can you do if you are being harrassed at work?
A Reader Asks This Question:
I have a friend who is working at a nursing facility here in California her direct supervisor is a woman who is verbally abusive and derogatory. She treats all the staff horribly. My friend has gone to the owner of the facility to tell him how she is suffering under this woman but he refuses to take action. The supervisor woman has cancer and she is using her illness to manipulate the owner. She is evil and she makes everyone’s life hell. My friend does not want to quit but the workplace is a very hostile environment. can she file a complaint with the state licensing agency to investigate? That is the only way to get the owner to take action.
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3 Responses to What can you do if you are being harrassed at work?
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@rosebud is correct, document everything because she’ll need it to establish the pattern of abuse.
There are no laws against asshole bosses, but the boss may still be in violation of company policy. Have your friend check the employee handbook to see if it says anything about treating each other with respect. Also, how to file a grievance with HR.
Have your friend download the free report at the top of this page, “10 Things That Managers Do To Get Sued…And Lose In Court”. It will give some guidance on documenting and reporting problems.
You have to go a long way before you can prove that the situation was terrible. Most bosses are difficult to get along with, but some cross the line. If she does file a complaint, she can consider the job over. She will get the worst assignments. She will get bad reviews. She won’t get her raises. Eventually, they will find a way to dump her after making her life truly hell.
before she does anything make sure she documents everything that happens. Dates/times, who she has talked to, and what was said. That is the first thing they’ll ask for before they start any kind of investigation. Also, it will be taken more seriously if she can get her co-workers to sign on to the complaint. And, don’t be shy about it either. Sometimes if the supervisor knows you are taking this seriously and will stand up for your rights they will take action. Also, have her prepared for retaliation. That is a real possibility.