bullied to the brink what would you do?

Question

i'm being bullied at work by this "click" of idiots who are making mine and my collegues lives hell. i've spoken to my boss who is trying but failing to sort it, i get the impression he feels like he's stuck in the middle with noway out. i have a lot of friends at work who all back me up but its causing an atmosphere which is unfair. i'm finding that all i think about is the next load of sh*t i'm going to have to deal with, i'm not sleeping and when i do work tends to fill my dreams. i want to quit but i'm worried i won't get another job in the 2 weeks notice i give and can't afford to live on benefits.
because of the type of job it is there is no union and going to a solicitor isn't advisable, i don't know what to do (ps i start at 8)

should have said there is nobody higher than my manager, he owns the company which isn't that big. the other thing is i love my job and most of the people i work with it, wouldn't be so bad but the rumours they are coming out with are getting quite dangerous if heard by the wrong people. i'm starting to feel that i have very little other choice than to leave! but again with the way the job is legal action isn't an option either.

i actually started looking and applying for jobs yesterday just incase i decided to go ahead and quit, i've put up with a lot from them the past couple of month and have never showed any sign that i am letting them get to me, if i have crying to do i wait until i get home (my partner has been great) i duno, i think my patience and sanity are waring thin!

Answer 1

i wish i knew more about you so i could advise you.In what way are you being bullied.Is it not possible to just talk to your friends in work at breaks and keep your head down whilst working,that way ignoring the bullies.Or are you being bullied in a way that prevents you from working.I u nderstand your position about not being able to afford to leave your job but being unhappy at the same time,i feel the same way.I keep asking myself if i should just leave my job cos i think it would make me happier but the prospect of not getting another job frightens me.Its the pursuit of happiness were all after.
My general advice to you is to keep your head down at work and look for another job in your spare time.Laugh in the face of the bullies bcos life is too short to let ppl like that get you down.Go talk to your parents or a close friend and get it all off your chest.I find that a big hug works wonders,its just a pity that im single and have to rely on my mother for comfort but it still works wonders.Go hug someone and think about the good times you will have when you finish work.
Good luck and god bless you my dear

Answer 2

Rumours can be verging on the side of slander, and if these rumours are as dangerous as you say, then it might be the case.

I will presume you live in England, so will suggest going to see the C.A.B, they can advise you on the best way to handle this situation.

I think your boss needs to show some backbone by looking into the matter more deeply and issuing written warnings where neccessary. Happy workers mean better productivity. And in the long run it will be him that suffers also.

To be honest though, it sounds as if you are working with a bunch of infantile idiots and it would be best if you looked for a new job prior to handing in your notice. These people will never change even if they are silenced.

Answer 3

Hi,
Bullying in "cliques" is the worst kind, usually I don't recommend this course of action, but sometimes with cliques if you take the leader or one person "down a bar or two" usually the others will see you can stand up for yourself and back off. I think you should maybe make an exception this one time and stoop to their level. I mean your already seriously considering leaving your job so can it really get any worse? Maybe start taking some self defence classes or get a punching bag and learn to punch properly. Then if they annoy you or even touch you in the slightest, you should just puch them once in the nose, make it hard! The others will see that you will not put up with their crap anymore and hopefully leave you alone.

If you do decide this course of action try it out of the company grounds as they cannot fire you. Get them to touch or hit you, so when you do puch them it will be self defence!!

I don't usually give this advice, but sometimes you gotta fight fire with fire!

Answer 4

There are some rules in our state, defining a "harmful work environment" and the right to work in a fair setting.

Consider calling the state division of labor, and asking some questions.

Over all, you need to look out for your own health and peace of mind, managing your own stress level. If this situation is too much, then find something different. Word -of-mouth seems to turn-up the best suited jobs. Consider networking with others for the next month, where ever you go, maybe print up some business cards for yourself on your computer, and in your spare time work on printing up your updated resume.

Answer 5

Step 1 - Make a formal complaint (in writing - & keep a copy) to your Supervisor. Give him/her a MAXIMUM period in which to resolve entirely this situation. If, at the end of that period, the bullying continues, institute a stage 2 Grievance to your Supervisor's Supervisor and keep going up the hierarchy - up to and including the Managing Director (if you have to).

Step 2 - Warn your Superviror (and any other Supervisors) that if this situation is not satisfactorily resolved then you will resign and issue proceedings in an Employment Tribunal claiming that you have been Unfairly (Constructively) Dismissed and that you will be seeking substantial compensation for your loss of career from your employer.

Good luck.

If you want more definitive advice - contact me - [e-mail].

Answer 6

Bullying has acquired zero tolerance status at the moment so, tell your boss and if he refuses to do anything contact your local council, MP or police. Be sure to tell your boss what you are doing as it seems that he is too stupid to realise that he can be prosecuted for allowing it to happen You would have a case for compensation.
If you quit you are more or less handing victory to them so what have you got to lose, whatever happens you do have the high ground legally but make sure you cover your back, My advice would be to see your local MP then you have it on record. Your boss is supposed to be duty bound to stop this sort of treatment. I wish you well but you have to make the effort yourself and by the sound of it you are not alone and you do have witnesses!

Answer 7

It seems like a very difficult situation but at the end of the day you have to put yourself first for the sake of your health. It doesn't sound as if your boss deserves your loyalty, either he's not a very good manager, or he's on 'their' side.

Could you do some temping while you look for a permanent job, it may help get your confidence back.

Answer 8

Lodge an official grievance and let your boss handle it. If it is not dealt with to your satisfaction then take it to the next person above your manager and so on. If you left you could try to claim for forced dismissal due to the bullying and lack of support. Ensure that you get your boss to document every meeting you have about this adn get signed copies off of him.

Answer 9

i think that you are taking the right steps to getting the bulling done, one thing though is to stand up for yourself and don't let these idiots do this to you. tell them what you think and be assertive. then after that just as the words of my mother, ignore them, find the enjoyment in your job and let them know that they are not getting to you and you won't let them. you have every right to work in a comfortable work enviorment and if the boss can't do anything and it gets out of control do you have someone higher that you can take it too? that might also help as well. but at any rate go to work tomarrow and just tell yourself that they are not going to bother you and mean it and then just feel good when you go to sleep tonight knowing you are not going to let them bother you. hope this helps and good luck i think that you can do it

Answer 10

Take a stand and leave move on get a better job dont try to resolve this problem on your own get help from your friends or get everyone in your job to send in a complient and then your boss will have to do something.