I've just turned 50 and I didn't think much could bother me anymore, as I've been through some pretty sh*t times in my previous jobs. But I've discovered a work chat group that is about me. Its not very nice language where I've been called the C word on more than one occasion and the phrase "She can F off" is used quite a lot in capitals. Please note I did not go looking for this chat - when I went to log onto Facebook for our business page, another employee had left their Facebook logged in on a shared computer. The messages were open and it was right there staring me in the face.
I work in place where I supervise the small team. It's the first time I've really felt valued in a team. I'm also easy going. If the team want to change shifts at short notice or need time off for an appointment, I make it happen. If someone makes a mistake, I address the team as a group, rather than one-on-one, mainly to refresh everyone's minds of our processes.
The business is busy. The main employee making the comments is our highest earner for the business. Yesterday I was called out [in front of other employees] for putting something in their day that they didn't like, but it is a service we offer. My manager then called me into their office and said that I had done nothing wrong by booking the service, and they had no right whatsoever to talk to me in the way they did. However my manager wants to protect this other worker because they make our business profitable and if they resigned, we'd close our doors. (I've heard this employee make comments about another staff member who recently went part time, but these comments have not been reported.)
I've also had issues with this employees attitude before (would never acknowledge me, would answer questions with one word and not look at me when answering, and continually overriding my authority) but all that seems to have settled down now.
I've taken screenshots of the conversation because I'm livid.
What do I do?
4 Replies
They have already proven they will choose this person /money over you, so what will you gain from reporting it? I think if you make too many waves they will try and get rid of you somehow. I would keep quiet if you need the job/money and start looking for another job. You also may need a reference down the track so I would try to keep things civil until you leave. I know we have all these "rights" now, but not much has changed for those who bring in the money. Just look at the footy clubs and how many chances the top players get versus the mediocre.
I would report it to management in an email with a copy of the screenshots and also report the bullying and their response to worksafe or whatever the reporting body is in your state. Then start looking for a different job. Please don't ignore it, even if nothing comes of it at least you have your report on record if theres ever another report or incident.
Update your resume and GTFO. Seriously do not compromise your mental health for this. It's not worth it. They will not get better and will put others over you.
What they are doing is a sackable offence. Don't let it go. I did and I wish I acted on it.
I found a "communication book" in the supervisors desk, with so much said about me I cried my eyes out and chucked a long sicky. I near quit my job. So much was said about my mental health, and my personal life.
It got worse. In the end, I just resigned and I haven't worked since 2017. It really messed with my mental health that the thought of going back to work makes me sick.
Talk to you manager. Have your union rep with you.