My husband and I are managers at the same company, but his bad attitude colours reactions of me, what do I do?

Question

I am the office manager, so I handle the administrative side, including HR. Employees have said that I'm very nice and like me, but I don't associate with the employees in a social way very often. And my office is isolated from the general activity area.
My husband is the purchasing manager who telecomutes, and is so strict about his policies that he gets harsh with people when they don't do something exactly the way he wants it. He is also former US Navy.
The problem is that now employees see me as an extension of him, as I have tried to step in and help get more information for him from time to time. Now the back lash is coming onto me. People stop talking when I walk into the room. They used to come and talk to me about their frustrations, but have stopped now...even though I know they still exist.
I've never been a really outgoing person, so what can I do to help improve the outlook people have of me and even my husband without undermining his position or mine?

Answer 1

Your only choice is to encourage people that you will not favor your husband and that your personal lifes stays out of the office. My true opinion is that its risky to work in the same place as him. you may find yourself in a conflict of interest. I'd recommend finding a different job.

Answer 2

First of all you should not have been the sounding board for these people, they were playing 2 ends against the middle and that's not fair for you or your husband. There is nothing wrong with being strict, some things require the employees to pay attention and if they don't like it, they should get a new job. Your husband is trying to keep his department ship shape and the crew would rather slough off, why else would there be all of this back biting? You need to step back from trying to be their friend and start acting more like a manager yourself, they will only mistake your kindness for stupidity and take advantage of you more than they already have. I have owned and operated my own businesses for years and before that I managed large crews, so I know what I'm talking about. I always believe in being firm but fair and my employees know I am not their buddy nor do I have any interest in that sort of relationship with them. We have a mutual respect for each other and that is were it ends, I pay a fair wage and expect a job well done for that wage, their checks are always on time and they are rewarded for going beyond the required job description. So you owe your husband an apology and you need to let your employees know if they have a problem you would be happy to have a 3 way conversation with your husband present to air their grievances. Good luck

Answer 3

You might politely remind these people of the following:
You are married to him. You AREN'T him, you aren't joined at the hip OR at the brain, and you aren't responsible for him or his attitudes. Tell them that if they have a problem with YOU, to come to you. If the problem is with HIM, they need to go to him and leave you out of it.
Then you need to tell your husband that he is putting you in a bad light and that you don't want to be a part of what is HIS job. Keep your jobs separate, and keep both jobs away from home.
This is one of the main reasons that most companies have rules against nepotism.

Answer 4

well I am afraid that your husband has done you and him both a disservice by being so strict . Now you see your employees dont trust you and will not come to you because they think it will go back to your husband and nothing will be done . I cannot think of a thing that would rectify this . sorry .