How much verbal abuse from your boss is legal in the United States?

Question

I work as an engineer, I’m wondering how much verbal abuse, professional disrespect, and belittlement is legal in the United States?

I am a hard worker with a great work ethic, and work well with everyone. I work an average of 9 hrs a day, sometimes much more, and have always tried to please my manager but with little success. He is a former co-worker/peer with no people skills, recently promoted as manager for my discipline via his experience within the last year.

He micromanages my every move, treats me like a slacker, is a fault finder, and belittles me nearly, but not every, day. When he does this I always remain calm, professional, and maintain my composure, even when he yells at the top of his lungs at me. I always swallow my pride, because I love my work and have respect for my paycheck.

He will not ever let me explain my side of things. He is the type that seeks to be understood before he seeks to understand.

Anybody know what I can do without quitting?

Answer 1

NO degree of abuse is acceptable in the workplace!
Do you have a superior that you can go to? Usually, people like that will only check their actions if they feel someone is watching them and has the power to say or do what is necessary to keep things professional. Some people never grow up and always need 'adults' to discipline them and keep them in line.
Good luck!

Answer 2

You actually don't have to take any abuse from your boss or coworkers. Most companies have a chain of command and that's where you would start. First report the abuse to his boss and if that doesn't work then go on up the chain his bosses boss and so on. If all else fails you get a Lawyer and file a civil law suit against the company and you boss. This will make the company rethink this issue. If your boss was to fire you for going to his boss this would be retaliation and that is also against the law and most companies policy and procedures. Also most companies give you a work ethics 1-800 number to call and report stuff like this in confidence. So really you need to research your companies policies and procedures to see what steps to take.

Answer 3

Inform him in writing you want an appointment with him to discuss what you feel is verbal abuse.

If you get the appointment, keep control of your own emotions, but get your point across that you do not appreciate his verbal abuse. Ask him what he is going to do to change it.

If he says he will change, make sure you discuss what exactly he is going to do (e.g., stop yelling at you in public).

If he says he will not change, make sure you write up some notes after the meeting as a record for yourself, but go to his boss and tell his boss you think you have a situation where you have a hostile work environment. If you have a human resources division, involve them. Try not to involve your co-workers unless they voluntarily come to you in support.

Document.

If you meet with his boss, offer a solution. Do not just throw the issue at him and expect him to resolve it.

Negotiate. Do not back folks into a corner, always leave them a choice.

Be persistent, firm, and polite.

Answer 4

Complain to HR that he's creating a hostile work environment. It will help if co-workers will come to your side on this. If he's not breaking the law (mostly discrimination or sexual harrassment) there's not a lot of legal leg to stand on. Most companies have policies against hostile work environments that go well beyond the law in defining what is acceptable.

All of that said, a boss' worst nighmare is a disgruntled underling. It's often simple to make the boss look incredibly bad while insulating yourself from blame. I've gotten rid of a couple of bad bosses in my day. ;)

Answer 5

I believe that is called harassment, and that is not legal. Try talking to a higher up than him. If it continues, you could find another job in the same field, or you could file a lawsuit. If you aren't willing to take those steps, you'll have to learn to live with it. No one should have to work under those conditions. I did once and I quit that job. It wasn't worth it to me.

Answer 6

I went through something similar. It's long and complicated, but he makes psychopaths look normal. I talked to several attorneys and the answer was consistent - verbal abuse is not illegal as long as he is not doing it for a reason related to a protected group.

Answer 7

As much as he wants...now get your a$$ back to work...you slacker.