What can you do if you're boss is verbally abusive towards you?

Question

I spent years working for a well-known supermarket in the South
(hyphenated name) I'm not going to say who, but I'm sure you can figure it out. The manager was a complete jerk. He was always cursing and insulting me and the other employees. Anyhow, it's over with now. But I just wanted to know what I can do if that ever happens again. It has not only happened there, but other places I've worked for in the past.

Answer 1

Discuss the specifics of his abuse with him first. For example, if he's using the "F" word in public, ask that he quit.
If he is insulting you, ask that he quit.
Advise him that if he continues to do this, you will report him to his boss.
Then see how it goes. If he quits, problem solved. If he doesn't, you can report him to his manager. If his manager supports you, problem solved.
If he doesn't, find a new job. Then quit.

Answer 2

If the comments are about sex, race or religion, you possibly have a discrimination lawsuit. However, some bosses are just jerks and like being abusive as a form of control.. If you get one, the best thing to do is find another job, or ask to transfer to another section in the company you are working for. If someone asks why tell them that you felt you and the boss had different styles of communication.

I have sometimes gone into a position on a temporary basis (as part of a temp agency) so I could see if the company/boss was good to work for. If I didn't like the place or the boss, I went somewhere else. When I found a company I did like, I applied as permanent. Much happier all around.

Answer 3

Wow. That's a tough one. You definitely wouldn't want to continue working at a company that has an *** for a manager.

You have to let the boss know, in a non-threatening voice, that you don't appreciate being screamed at like that.

But at the same time..you should be looking for another job because being fired could come next.

If there is a Human Resources department...file a complaint with them.

Answer 4

Go to his supervisor and if that does not work, then go directly to your Human Resources Department. You should also keep track of what was said and dates and times. If there is a union most definitely contact the union steward.

If you should find yourself in that type of situation again, do not say to yourself I'll wait until the next time. There should not be a next time. That's harassment and that's against the law. Report the harassment on the first occurrence. Take care and you do not deserve that type of treatment

Answer 5

He should've been reported to higher authorites he doesn't own the company.
Its a form of harassment hopefully you won't meet anymore jerks like him but all managers have someone above them to complain to anyway if it did I would see a Solicitor harassment is not allowed.

Answer 6

Find out who your own boss' superior is and write a letter with examples of what they've done. If you don't want it to come back on you, don't use any names (however, this is less likely to do as much good since there is no real 'evidence').

Answer 7

Best to get another job, or else you can report them to their superior (regional manager or whoever).

Laws about harassment etc. only apply to sexual harassment so sounds like that wouldn't apply here.

Answer 8

I'm sure there is some law about verbal harassment, but it probably doesn't count for drill instructors.

Answer 9

quit. no legal recourse unless he is being discriminatory in his comments concerning age, sex, race, religion, etc. Anyways, this is the real world, just develop a thicker skin.

Answer 10

Go to work for a competitor.