It is NOT OK to be physically or mentally abused in the workplace.  I am looking for suggestions as to what this very large workforce can do to stop abuse occurences in the workplace.  For some reason "permanent" employees think this is ok, management turns a blind eye in most cases and the agency itself just replaces that temp with another one.  As one person what can I do?  As a group we can make our voices heard and maybe make some changes.
138962
If what you describe is any type of harassment, it may be against the law.  Even as a temporary employee, you are entitled to a harassment-free workplace.  \n\nI suggest that you consult an attorney to determine if you have a case.  If you have a strong case, and win, the attorney fees will be paid for by the company.\n\nYou and/or your entire group may be able to file a complaint without the help of an attorney with the department of labor relations in your state.\n\nGood luck.
559162
Re-evaluate your job and what you were hired to do.  Just do your work, do it well, stay out of office politics.  Stop chatting so much, because whatever your talking about, it's controversial and provoking others to snitch.  A competent boss may one day decide to rid the office of the both of you, just to serve as an example to others to "just do what you were hired to do and save the cattyness for your off duty hours".
203354
Who cares? He has a terrible attitude and isn't worth your time of day. However, this is abuse that should not be tolerated in the workplace (thought it often is), and you should go to your compliance officer/human resources liaison immediately. If you want to be nice, tell him to knock it off, grow up and be professional. If he doesn't, then take it to the top.
659617
Yeah, the service staff need a course.\n\nBut, so do the consumers. Why don't you try to put up a happy face when everyone treats you like crap all day?\n\nAnd if you say "but that's their job!", it's not. Any more than getting verbally abused by their employer is a part of any office worker's job.
193126
What you just said would be good enough reason. If there are unsafe work condition, then that gives the potential for people to get hurt. That is a lawsuit waiting to happen. How bad are the work conditions? If I were I would take it up with the Better Business Bureau if it is serious enough..but if you have already quit, I don't understand why you need another reason?
327453
I use to work at a mental hospital and I have seen some people get mistreated just because and it is unfair but you have understand that some of these people will work the system to get what they want and they are back out doing the same thing like drugs, not taking their meds or whatever and then here they come again looking just as bad as they did before or close to death. It pisses me off knowing that in a couple of days this person will be back looking like crap knowing that all you had to do was take a pill or call if the med wasn't working any longer.  Iam getting off the subject. Yeah I have seen people get treated unfair and it sometimes has alot to do with staffing and funding and hospital's policies.
402642
If you have an anonymous system for employee complaints, then use it to bring this to their attention. This kind of stuff isn't conducive to a healthy workplace, I would think someone in upper management would want to know. However, if you are working in a smaller company, you will have to decide if you feel its safe to speak up or not. \n\nNo, its not normal.
157205
I can totally relate to what you are saying. I live with the same type of thing every day, unfortunately the person in question is my boss. Sometimes I think if I let loose one day the consequenses might just be worth it. Horrible, I know, but this kind of person can cause the most severe and aggressive frustration! My advice is to avoid him as much as possible, which is what I do with her, but should you happen to proceed with a physical confrontation I admit I would find it comforting to know that at least someone had some consequence for their constant crap behavior and maybe will think twice about it in the future.
53992
Oh my gosh, did you work at the same place I did?  Your story sounded exactly like the situation I had.  Management and supervisory positions had changed at my work and from then on, the nightmare began.  The witch who rose to power was a narcissitic, egotistical backstabber who made it so unbearable for everyone. She continuously found it amusing to berate, belittle and degrade each and every employee in the company by telling us that we were underworked and so grossly over-paid (we all made more $$$$ than her). Someone who is in the psychology field said that this supervisor's had low self-esteem issues (she weighs close to 300 lbs.)and it is satisfying to her to put others down in order to feel better about herself.  She can't control her weight so she tried to control others.  Unfortunately, confronting this supervisor only compounded to the problem, as she could not take constructive criticism from ANY employee...and talking to the owner of the company proved to be useless, as he always avoided any type of problem or confrontation issue.  Since I did not have an advocate or anyone I could really turn to, the stress of going to work every day was taking it's toll on my health.  For peace of mind and sanity, I gave them my two weeks notice but did not burn my bridges upon my resignation. It is a good idea to have something lined up to go to, especially if you need the income and medical benefits.  You really don't want to be at the mercy of your current employer when it comes to recommendations or verifications.  Good luck.....
244128
This should not be an unfair affair in the working place and rules should basically be the same for all paid employees.  I see this happening today more and more.  Corporations are in for the maximum profit and take advantage of the workers anyway they can.  Unions were supposed to be the buffers between abusive corporations and helpless workers.  If you have a union then tell your union representative otherwise I don't think you have a chance.  You can easily be replaced, if many complain, then they take the jobs abroad where they can buy the government and we can intimidate them with our power, remember, we pay taxes to do that.
339060
If you're in a big company then you need to talk to your supervisor. If you're in a small business where the boss doesn't care really what goes on and blows you off - there is less that you can do. Small businesses with fewer than like 15 employees are for some reason excluded from many of the normal expected laws that apply to bigger companies. I don't know why that is - but it's wrong especially with something like this where it is definitely harassment. You need to tell them that you don't appreciate being hit even in a joking way. If this person persists, you may have to just find a better job where more common decency and respect are part of the culture. Big companies and small companies all have their issues and challenges. But, I think the little ones tend to have less accountability and less control over employees behavior and fewer ways to deal with situations. I used to think big corporations were bad because of the politics but now I'm not sure which is worse - it may be the small business because the people in leadership can get away with anything just by kissing up the chain of command.
440351
I unfortunately have to answer phones and deal with the public coming into my office and I've noticed that in general people are much more aggressive and abusive than they were say five years ago.  It does ruin my day when someone is abusive to me - just for answering the phone to them! - and I can tell you I certainly do not go out of my way to help these people - I will however if you are civil while you speak to me.  Usually as well people can abusive towards me and when they speak to for example a solicitor (I'm just the secretary!!!) they aren't abusive to them - that annoys me - there is no need for it and it really is so disrespectful.
638419
The things that have happened to you are terrible and of course it is abuse.  You really need a trusted adult to help you.  The fact that you were able to post on here means that you are ready to get the help you need.  I'm a licensed psychiatric social worker and I came from a really crappy upbringing too.  My dad was physically abusive and my mom was pretty depressed and didn't stop him.  I managed to get past the abuse and lead a productive life but even today, I remember the abuse and have to deal with the feelings surrounding it.  You are too young and your life is too precious to be lost in the cycle of child abuse.  The sooner you get help the more likely you are to move on successfully with your life.  You don't need your parents permission to seek counseling.  School counselors are an option.  I recognize that trusting adults right now is probably difficult and I'm sure you still love your parents to some extent.  What you need to understand is that if your parents are abusing or neglecting you, they are sick too and need help.  Right now you need to realize that you are worth saving and not all adults are bad.  Your life can and WILL get better.  I don't know where you live and what resources are available there but I would be happy to help you in anyway I can.  Please feel free to email me if you need more help or someone to talk to.  My email is jazzy_59602@yahoo.com.  Please stay safe and reach out to someone.
602253
Got some examples of what they're doing?  I can give specifics with how to deal with the situation if I knew.  Otherwise, go off on them--make it loud, don't beat around the bush, make sure you do it while others are present, and tell that individual you're tired of putting up with the childish BS.  If that doesn't work, report them to your supervisor, and document each instance in case you need to file legally (it's called a hostile work environment).  This is my suggestion, since my preferred tactics for this type of scenario aren't for everyone.
610545
i think that you are mandated to report any abuse. even if you aren't if you know some one thats being abused you should tell anyways, mandated or not
305552
If you reeeally need this job, I'd go to the Labor Board. It sounds like A$Shole wanted to find a reason to get rid of you.  You might come out on top in this one, but even so, will your employers make your job a living hell by always looking for legal ways to fire you again and again? Just think it over.  "Choose your battles" was some of the best advice I ever got.
358416
It can be a disability depending on many factors. Is it wrong for not informing employers? This may sound harsh but definitely, how would he/she feel if they severely injured someone or even themselves if they had a seizure during the course of their job and in this sad culture of litigation the financial implications could be enormous. Employers should be informed so they can perform an accurate risk assessment that ultimately will not only benefit the person but the whole workforce at large.