You love the work that you do and you’re extremely good at it. You try to enter the workplace each day with a positive attitude and constructive approach to problem-solving.
Unfortunately, recent behavior from your boss or a co-worker has made you feel deflated. They’ve been going out of their way to undermine you and this has even crossed the line into abuse and harassment. What are your options in a scenario like this?
Address the behavior
If you’re being bullied or harassed, then it’s very easy to go into a shell and just put up with the behavior. It’s perfectly understandable that you’d lose some confidence and feel anxious about raising the issue with Human Resources or another superior. However, it’s very important that you take this step.
If someone’s been making you feel intimidated, then it’s possible that they might have been doing the same to other people in the company. If this is the case, then you can pull together, make a list of all concerning behaviors and start to tackle the issue as a team.
Continue your work duties
If you are able to, then it can be beneficial to carry on working hard and taking a professional approach. This way, when subsequent investigations take place, you can show that you’ve been living up to any expectations that have been placed on you. After all, you should only be judged at work based on your performance.
If your performance has not faltered, then your boss will not have a leg to stand on in showing that any of their behavior has been legitimate.
All workers across California have a legal right to work in a space that is free from hostility, discrimination and harassment. If you’re being intimidated by your boss or a co-worker, this is unacceptable. Seeking legal guidance will help you to assess what options are open to you.