How can I stop people from critizing and yelling at me at work in front of each other?

Question

I started a new job in July. I like the job and people. The problem is they yell at me if I ask a question or don't know how to do something. The employee doing most of the yelling has been there 7 years &the person that left had also been there 7 years. The 2 of them were always fighting and yelling at each other. Just today I had a customer with a lot of questions and I helped him. When the call ended the girl that complains all the time, asked me why I was on the phone so long. She said she thought I had a problem with the customer. I did not have any problems at all and got off the phone as soon as I could (I keep it businesslike)! I am in my late 50's, nice, happy, caring person, hard worker. This negative treatment and yelling has caused me to stay to myself. Yet, I am their target. I am so tired of being kicked and put down. I was told by the boss that he has to decide if I fit in or not before my probation period is over. I like my job, how can I handle this

Answer 1

the most important thing to remember in this circumstance is that NEVER stoop to their level. never resort to yelling back at them, firing back criticism to them in public, or never call them names/be degrading in front of other people. if you want to confront someone about their behavior, pull them aside into a private room and talk to them maturely. remember to be ASSERTIVE with them, not aggressive - there is a difference between assertiveness and aggression. being assertive means you are sticking up for yourself without hurting anyones feelings or damaging anyones self esteem. aggressiveness is meant to be damaging, and meant to tear someone down. by being assertive with the people who are upsetting you, you can stand up for yourself and appear to be the bigger, more mature person, which is good for you in this case. it is important to remember that any behavior that you find inapropriate towards you needs to be discussed with the person who is exhibiting that behavior. you need to talk about things and get it off your chest, just dont do it in front of others and in a loud manner. good luck!

Answer 2

This is a form of abuse, and you need to bring it to your boss's attention. You may want to wait until after your probation is over. Until then, when someone starts yelling at you. Ask in a very concerned voice,"Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry." Nothing makes someone feel like crap faster than appologizing immediately when they are the ones being a jackhole.

It could be that this particular person misses the fight her old coworker put up, and she's trying to get you into that role, or if she seems shallow she could just be an attention wh0re.

Keep asking questions, it's the only way to learn how things work, just keep an eye out for the crack that I'm sure is floating around there, and I can't believe you like a job like that. When someone yells at me at my work, I flip them the bird or say well 'f*ck you too' and then walk away. I don't have time for peoples crap, and I'm sure you don't either.

Answer 3

Put your complaint about the childish behavior in writing in triplicate. Ask for a meeting with your supervisor, describe your complaint and hand him/her the written statement. What the other person meant was a "hostile" work environment. If that person does nothing, go to their supervisor-explain the problem & hand out another copy of the complaint. Everyone has a boss so keep going til you get results. Just be sure to stick to the facts and leave "feelings" out 'cause they don't care.
I had a boss/the owner yell at me once...she'd done it to others but not me. When she decided it was my turn. I stood there quietly, when she was done, I got my coat & headed for the front door. She ran to see what I was doing. DUH!! "I am not a child & will NOT be treated as one" Within 1 hour I had an apology, more weekends off and a raise. It seems no one ever thought to stand up to her before. Several left in tears! Oh having a tiny voice activated tape recorder in your pocket works wonders when it's your word against theirs.
Give 'em hell!!!

Answer 4

Get an attorney. File a harassful work enviornment suit. If they fire you before your probation is up, which it sounds like that will happen anyway, you can claim that the pending litigation is why they let you go. That way the company is even more liable than if it were just the two bad employees. It will take a while, and there will be bad things said, but in the end, you will have more money than you would have if you had worked.

Answer 5

Ouch! Sticky situation. My flippant response is get another job and do better with teaching them how to treat you. However, since it seems that the boss condones such behavior, it may be best to move on to a healthier work environment. Of if you feel that the boss is totally ignorant about the yelling, fill him in, give him time to address the issue, and them make your decision from their. Bottom line, if the boss sets/allows a negative tone, get the hell out! Good luck!

Answer 6

Can you politely talk to each person involved privately and tell them how all of this makes you feel? Ask them that if they have a problem with you that you'd love constuctive criticism but you'd appreciate it if they would do it privately and not in a hostile way.
If that doesn't work, maybe you can ask a supervisor how to better handle the situation. I understand that he wants to see if you fit in or not but try to explain it in a positive light.
The only other thing I can suggest is to just ignore them and try to do the best job possible.

Answer 7

Talk to your boss about this. Tell the boss that you like the job and the people excepting that one person who is always yelling. They could be yelling at their customers too. If the boss doesn't care then move on because you might turn into someone like them.

Answer 8

I would approach the person yelling at you, in a nice way, and ask if she has something against you. She will probably say no, and ask you why? Tell her that she needs to have patience with you. You are learning a new job.

Answer 9

It's not worth it -no job is worth that hassle. So my advice to you is to speak up firmly now or it will never change. They're seeing how far they can push you-lucky for them they have never seen the likes of me as anyone who tried this sh** with me would soon regret it!

Answer 10

I think you should just tell them how you feel about it. Honesty is usually the best way to go. =]