damn receptionist.. do i have the right to go yell at her??

Question

I called my health department so i can sched. an appt for my mother. The receptionist was being so rude. Although not many words were exchanged it almost sounded like she was frustrated.

This dept is for lesser fortunant. Do I have the right to go yell at her or in other words make a complaint. These people have to put up with major problems all day all they're life and when they go get checked they have to put up with people like her.

I almost want to say I do have the right.. but because not many words were said the only proof I have that she was being rude was my gut feeling and ofcourse her tone.

If receptionist are like that at work.. could they get fired??

Answer 1

Let it go. I have a flat monotone voice and I get accused of using a "tone" even when I don't mean to. You really have no idea what was going on with her at that particular time. Perhaps she was trying to help a sick patient and the phone kept ringing.

I've found in life that it is best to let the little things go because by getting all upset yourself, you upset those around you, then you call and upset someone's boss, and then upset that person who goes home and upsets their family. The cycle of anger is not worth a perceived "tone" on the telephone.

Answer 2

I disagree, I think you do. A receptionist is paid to do a job, that job is answering the phone and helping the person at the other end of the line, in a courtesy manner. I don't care how their day is going or how hectic it is, you don't take it out on the people on the phone. If my receptionist was like that, her butt would be gone in a New York minute. Personal life needs to be just that, personal. If I'm in a bad mood and have a complaint, I don't take it out on the person on the phone. Its bad phone etiquette period. I would first and foremost, say something to her when you arrive and tell her that I felt that she was being rude to you on the phone. If she is just as rude then, I would ask to speak to her supervisor and complain. It doesn't matter what place this is, even if it is for the less fortunate or even if she's a freaking volunteer, there are just some things you don't do and being a rude receptionist is one of them. You're a human being just like everyone else and deserve to be treated courteously.

Answer 3

You may put up with major problems all day but you need to think that maybe she has as well. I agree that this does not give her the right to be rude but it would help toward understanding why she was reacting the way she did. Maybe it had nothing to do with your call. You do have the right to talk to her supervisor and complain but before you do think of how you would feel if you were having a really bad day and someone complained to your boss about you. If it's a continuing problem and it happens again when you call then definitely contact her boss. I wouldn't suggest walking in and yelling at her though. All that will result in is your being kicked out of there.

Answer 4

The receptionist is the first contact a business has with it's clients. I would imagine that a decent employer would want to know if/when the person manning that desk/phone is being unpleasant or rude. I would guage my response on what happens when I go in for the appointment. If you feel that the treatment you recieve in person is still poor, then complain. No one should have to put up with lousy treatment when scheduling appointments or in keeping them.

Answer 5

Yelling at someone is not only impolite, but rarely gets anything accomplished. Ask to speak to her supervisor and talk to them about her behavior.

But just remember...SHE has to deal with people with illnesses and major other issues all day so yea, she is probably frustrated with her job. And we all have bad days sometimes. If this were the first time you dealt with her and she acted in this manner, you might want to let it go unless she said somethind rude. If she acts like this all the tiem, then a formal complaint to her boss is acceptable.

Answer 6

Maybe she was just having a bad day. I wouldn't let her attitude cause me so much worrying and trouble. You should let it go for now. If she did it again, then you could just say to her on the phone, "you don't have to be rude, I am just asking-needing help or whatever you need to say". I doubt she would get fired for being what you consider "rude". That might just be her personality.

Answer 7

sure, you have the right. don't know what good it will do though. i was on WIC for a while. i stopped going because it wasn't worth it at all. see, people that work for the state feel like they can be as rude as they want because they know the people that are there for services have nowhere else to go. they don't have any competition. they don't care either, it's just a job. they have to be there all day and do what they have to do. serving you quickly and kindly doesn't get them anything.

Answer 8

It depends on the boss wheather she'd get fired or not. Report her if it bothers you that much, otherwise, forget it, it's not worth the trouble-life is too short to waste on morons. And no, no one has the right to yell at anyone ever. But if it makes you feel better, go right ahead, more than likely it won't make you feel better, you'll just feel guilty.

Answer 9

I think it may be too late. If not many words were said and it was your perception, you would have been better served to ask her, "Are you OK?....you sound angry and I didn't mean it if I put you in a bad mood today." That always bring them to their knees. They usually apologize, but if not, they expand how bad their day is and you have ammo to go to their supervisor. Let it go and be the bigger person.

Answer 10

You have a right to complain but just state the facts, don't let emotion get in your way.

If she had enough complaints she cuold possible get fired.