What can you do about a hostile (maybe not legally) work environment?

Question

My husband accepted a job offer recently, and now that he's been there for a month or so, he's been improperly trained and thrown to the lions, so to speak, responsible for MUCH more than what they had put in the original offer, and is underpaid for the stature of work the he is performing while working 70+ hours per week. He absolutely DREADS going to work to the point where it makes him sick. He deals directly with the owner of the company daily and is cussed at, berated, and treated, really, very poorly for things that they haven’t completely trained him for. He’s reprimanded by the owner for asking questions and has been told to “just deal with it” when he’s mentioned how he’s being spoken to and treated.

He doesn't want to just quit because of his difficulty finding a job last time & we cannot survive on one income. He IS looking for another job in the meantime. I just hate that he goes through this every day.

No flames please! I just need some “outside” opinions..

I am currently employed. We went through a peroid of about 4 months where we struggled, to say the least, on one income. My husband has not finished school and is not in a "professional" environment just yet, so his employment would require some training.

Answer 1

70 hours per week isnt that outrageous. However, I can understand not liking being berated, cursed at, etc. The whole idea of your husband being "trained" I find a bit amusing- if he's gone into a professional job (white collar), its very common for new employees to not get any training- you are expected to bring your experience along with you, and to learn (quickly) as you go- that is also very, very normal. I would suggest this- find a job yourself for the short-term. If things are that bad for your husband, he's either going to quit or be fired. If you have a job, just for the short term, then your husband can start looking hard for a new job. Then when he has a new job, you quit and start staying at home again. Consider relocating if you need to for your husband to find a job more quickly.

Answer 2

It is sad to say that it happens to a lot to people and not just your husband. How come you don't work? Anyway, has your husband try to talk to the owner about it? Has your husband asked his co-workers for any suggestions? If he has done everything that he can then I am afraid there is nothing else he can do about it. Keep on looking for a new job.

About the original offer, employers can reduce or take responsibilities from their employees anytime they deem it necessary. The only way to avoid is to work at a company that is under the Union. There will be fee taken out on each pay check and the Union represents the employees on their rights.

Answer 3

Sadly we at the New York Healthy Workplace Advocates hear and see this issue much too often. We have a web page with various recommendations, very few that will help in your husbands situation. Because he is a new employee and likely subject to a probation period, he can be shown the front door as soon as the starts to bring this issue to management.

The best thing he can do is start looking for another position ASAP before his health is severely affected. If he is already experiencing depression, post traumatic stress disorder or physical symptoms, consider leaving as it is not worth your health and well-being of himself or his family.

If you reside in New York State and would like to tell you story, please contact us at [e-mail]

Zogby has released a new poll showing an increase in hostile work environments that is available via our web site (nyhwa.org).

Don't let this person ruin your health, all of us at NYHWA have been there and it takes a long time to heal and you'll never be the same person you where before this situation.

Mike Schlicht
State Coordinator
New York Healthy Workplace Advocates

Answer 4

Well first of all, I would not put up with someone cussing me at work even if they are the owner. This doesn't sound like a very stable company if the boss doesn't seem concerned that his employees are expected to do work they have not been trained to do.
If he can't talk to his boss and explain that his current expected job is not what he was hired to do, only 2 choices really, put up with it or quit.

I hope for your family's sake that your husband finds a different job soon and can tell his boss where to get off.

Answer 5

Document, document, document. It could be the only thing that keeps him "alive" at work and sane outside of work (it can be therapeutic). Just keep in mind to remove the emotions out of the documentation because if a hostile work complaint is filed, they will want facts and nothing more. Emotions could hurt anything he tries to prove.

He's on the right track in regards to looking for a new place to work. It sounds like that place will never get better and even if he did file a complaint, they will probably retaliate even though they cannot legally.

Another idea is to try to stay one step ahead. Try to anticipate where they will complain about his work and take care of it before they can criticize it. This is no guarantee as once my wife tried this tactic only to have her bosses mistakes (ones she had nothing to do with) blamed on her. Nevertheless, it is good practice anyone.

Just remember that they he has no reason not to walk into that office with his head high like he owns the place.

Answer 6

If he is working directly under the owner, then there is not much he can do. Small companies are often exempted from requirements. If he is only being paid for 40 hours, then a complaint to the people who enforce overtime pay is in order. I would buy a small solid state audio recorder to wear on wrist, carry in shirt pocket, or hang from neck under cord and record samples of abuse. If the abuse is racial in nature then there are authorities for that. If he was placed in the job by an agency, go back to the agency.

Answer 7

You are such a good wife! That said, you are on the right track! you are helping by working and trying to ease the burden that he is feeling. Keep your sanity by taking little breaks for things you both enjoy. Perhaps a better job for you is in the cards about now, too. Then he won't have to settle for something he can't deal with if you are "better employed". He can look for something a bit less stressful and more fun. I am including my favorite job hunting links-good luck and bless you both!

Answer 8

If i were he i would try real hard to get another job and put a time limit on the present job(short).
Sounds like he is going in the right direction.

Answer 9

He has to cope or look for a new job. IOn the plus side, t's much easier to find a job when you have a job.

Answer 10

Careerkit.blogspot.com is an excellent business blog that always has something interesting posted. I don't know if that will answer your question but you will certainly find something on that blog to help your career.