Hostile Work Environment?
921391
An employer can get sued for creating or tolerating a hostile work environment.  It varies based upon state, but so long as the harassment is based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin or disability, then the harassment is illegal.  That the harassment be illegal is a fundamental first step in the analysis.  Next, you have to consider whether your employer has a policy prohibiting harassment.  If it does, then that policy must be followed before any successful lawsuit or formal complaint can be filed.  If it does not, the employer does not have a defense against the harassment charge.
362483
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.
403182
I am so sorry that your work environment is like this.  It's really hard, but I think the best thing to do is just refuse to listen to it.  You might find some phrases like this helpful when you sense some gossip is coming on.\n\n"Hey, Bill, if it's okay with you I think I'd rather not hear about that."\n"I think well of <name> and I'd like to continue.  Please don't say that story."\n"Hey, we're all coworkers here.  I'd rather not hear anything bad about people I work with."\n\nIt's really hard, and sometimes you can't always tell when the negative comments are coming, but by refusing to listen to it you at least you won't be part of the problem, and you won't have the mental burden of knowing all the negative things about your coworkers.\n\nSometimes these have to be said more than once, and sometimes it helps to change the subject so the people won't  continue on the same line of conversation.\n\nI'm behind you 100%!  You'll be making this world a better place!
774294
GET OUT NOW!!\n\nYou don't owe this person ANYTHING!!\n\nFor a boss to say it's a 'personality clash' is diabolical!!\n\nWhat kind of management style is that? S**t - that's what!!\n\nYou SO deserve better.\n\nGO RIGHT THIS MINUTE AND DON'T LOOK BACK!
778675
If your company has a human resources department that will be you first line of defense, candidly speaking with the person concerned with interoffice relations and staff management about concerns you have regarding attitude and how that may be effecting performance in the work place wouldn't hurt.   The trick is to be very diplomatic and approach the subject as a concern for the well being of the company. \n\nAvoid making accusations and pointing fingers, initially.  See if the company is able or willing to resolve the problem within itself.   \n\nIf the harassment continues or escalates do some research into employee right agencies in your area.  Contact them with your concerns.
64614
Try this website: www.gottrouble.com/legal/employment/harassment.htm
890763
Yes I went through the same thing.  I found at that point there is nothing you can do.  Although you probably never deserved to be in this sitution I find that usually people need to gang up on one person and bully them.  It is not acceptable.  I went on meds because of it and when I was done working there I came off of the meds.  Management was involved in this case and I was approached by a laywer to sue these people.  I choose not to, the reason being that it would have cause more stress.  I now have a better job with better pay and I no longer take meds.  Please hang in there.  Start looking for a new job right now.  They cant fire you without a just cause, worse come to worse you will be asked to leave with two weeks pay.  But find a new job, being unhappy is not worth it.
866806
The next time that your boss tells you that "this is a man's job", remind him that he is breaking the law.  A job is a job, there no longer is a "man's" job, just like there is no longer a "woman's" job.\n\nAlso let him know that if there is any more harassment by your co-workers, you will consider that as management's consent and approval of the unacceptable behavior, and you are prepared to take appropriate action, legal and otherwise.\n\nLet him know that you have started a log of inappropriate action/ behavior of fellow employees and management personnel. Starting with the instant conversation, you are documenting everything that is said and done (who, what, where, when, time, place, and witnesses), that you consider to be harassment or sexual discrimination, and/ or related matters such as counselling sessions that you may be involved in.\n\nAlso make him aware that any adverse action such as termination, discipline, demotion, or transfer to a less desirable position will be considered retaliation, and if it happens you will take further more aggressive action.\n\nTell him these are not threats but commitments. \n\nAsk him if that is "tough enough"!
926696
Try the EEOC.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  They are a division of the Department of Labor and handle discrimination cases and hostile work environment situations.  If it is an issue with pay or employees working off of the clock, the Department of Labor in your state would handle it.  \n\nAlso, try going to Human Resources first and make sure to document it.  (Who, when, what, where, why)  It is the job of Human Resources to handle internal complaints.  If they retaliate against you (illegal) and you document all of the above, you have a more solid claim with the EEOC.
1116673
Not bad at all where I work, but then again almost all our bosses are totally cool. But I've been places where people flat out tell their boss "F--k You", and nothing happens to them. Weird....
456679
SPEAK UP for yourself.  Stay away from those who put you down as much as possible.  If they confront you,  look them straight in the eyes, tell them to LAY OFF and walk away.  Mean people usually pick on those who they perceive as vulnerable. Keep you chin UP no matter how you feel.  Your air of confidence will make you FEEL more confident and also deter some of the bubble-bursters.   If you are being harrassed,  speak to your supervisor.  If your supervisor harrasses you and/or is unconcerned,  speak to his/her superior.   If you get no positive results,  start looking for a new job.   You deserve a friendlier work environment. (It's a possibility that you can file a "hostile environment" complaint against your present employer).  I suggest counselling to help you figure out why you are shy and nervous.   Focus on your accomplishments at work.  Build your self-confidence outside of work.  Find new friends. Seek outside activities and hobbies that give you a sense of accomplishment.  Read self-help books.   And,  yes,  an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication might help you cope with the stress until YOU change your circumstances.  (Noone else will do it for you).  Talk to your doctor.
47857
Tell them "I'm offended by that." Could fall under the sexual harrassment category (but it doesn't have to be sexual). \nOnce they've been notified, you are free to escalate. Supervisor can't ignore it if you have told them. This can lead to civil rights and right-to-work issues. HTH!
181290
Absolutely! Either that or file a complaint with your company. This is going against the codes of business ethics, and if pushed, can result in a discrimination case.\nIf you are offended by the use of that word, then it would be considered a "hostile work environment." I personally get pretty ticked off when anyone uses that word around me.
886689
I, too, am second in charge at my job.  The best way I've found to deal with timid bosses is to first talk to them about the problem.  You are there to help them, so help.  Approach your boss in a non-threatening way, one-on-one, and discuss your concerns.  You could say "I've noticed other employees not adhering to the company policies. I know we don't want to send the message that this is acceptable. What do you think we could do to discourage this?"  If your boss tries to skirt the issue or tries to blow you off, be firm.  You could also say "I know coaching and corrective action isn't one of the fun aspects of your job, and I'd be happy to help you with this (if you truly are).  Let's get a game plan together so we can be sure we are on the same page with this"  This way your boss should get the hint that something needs to be done, and you are willing to help, yet you don't have to go over her head or make her feel like she can't do her job correctly.  Good Luck!
269715
Personal beliefs in the workplace are a touchy subject.  I personally think that open-honest communication is best.  Most people really do not want to be offensive.  I'd say try talking to him first.\n\nIf it continues, simply inform your (or his) supervisor.  Don't get ugly.  Just be honest that it bothers you.\n\nNOTE:  Anytime you are talking about a possible subject that could cause retaliation to you in the workplace, I recommend recording the dates of the conversations, what you said to voice your displeasure and what the reply was.  If someone tries to be vindictive, you will have proof that you were just trying to be professional and they weren't.\n\nPS  I was working in a hospital and a fellow co-worker was talking about abortion being wrong (in front of patients).  I pointed out that this was a controversial topic and that there was more to it than it being "good or evil".  He called me a baby-killer.  I was totally floored.  I stayed polite and professional, but he just got worse and worse.  I told him that he was being inappropriate, rude, and was embarrassing both of us in front of patients.  That calmed him down.  \n\nA few days later, he realized he had gotten totally carried away with his beliefs and his preaching and sheepishly asked for forgiveness.
458181
One thing you have to remember in a job. You are there to support your boss. Some bosses are dogmatic and want you to do things only their way. Others are more flexible and allow a lot of latitude in how you do your job. Then there are all those in between. If you don't get along with your boss, then go someplace where you can work with someone who is more in tune with your personality.\n\nBut... also look at your own approach. Are you confrontational? Do you get annoyed over someone else telling you what to do? Do you challenge the rules simply to challenge the rules? If you ever want to be in a "boss" position, you have to learn how to be a good employee first. Otherwise nobody will think you are mature enough to be trusted with decisions. This is something I had to learn early in my career. Not every battle is worth winning. Pick the ones that mean something and leave the other ones alone. You may win a battle, but you could lose the war.
643103
Boy, do I identify with this - no one should have to put up with this - you need to go directly to the human resources department with a complaint - when you do, remember that the government doesn't want to have to deal with a lawsuit or bad publicity - describe the supervisor's behavior and use the following phrases in your description "I feel harrassed by this supervisor" "she belittles me and harrasses me in front of other employees" "she creates a hostile work environment" These are phrases that come right out of the human resources handbooks and are phrases that are used by lawyers when they bring a lawsuit against companies. The human resources department will absolutely know that you have been coached by someone with a legal background when you say these things - but that's a good thing. It will make their ears perk up and they will take you seriously. When you make this complaint you will most likely find that you are not the only employee who has complained - people like your boss are bullies and they have many targets for their unprofessional behavior - You may find that not only will you not have to leave your job - but your supervisor may find herself without a job. If human resources doesn't take care of this - or if you end up with the supervisor behaving even worse after you talk to human resources - get a lawyer and sue them for harrassment.