No one goes to work expecting to be abused, but this is a situation that 15% of employees have experienced. Whether it is discrimination or harassment, it can be challenging to cope, particularly if the one creating such a toxic work environment is the boss. In this situation, who do you speak to?
If you are unfortunate enough to experience workplace toxicity from your superior, then this post could prove beneficial. You will learn what to do when your boss causes a toxic workplace, from documenting incidents to seeking outside help.
Document Specific Incidents of Toxic Behavior
When you first begin to notice a toxic work environment forming due to your boss’s actions, it is essential to start keeping detailed evidence. This is crucial for building a case to escalate issues to human resources (HR) or seek legal advice. Documenting incidents helps to prevent toxic actions from being dismissed as isolated events and supports your claims.
To create a detailed incident log, you must record the basic information for each incident, including the date, time, and location of the event, as well as the names of those involved. You must be specific when describing your boss’s actions, body language, and words, and direct quotes should be noted down when possible. If there are witnesses, you can note them down as well.
As well as keeping an incident log, you should gather supporting evidence, too. You can save written communication, such as emails, memos, or texts, that demonstrate toxic behavior. This evidence should be saved on a personal device or secure cloud service outside of work systems, as your access might be restricted if your employment ends.
Address the Issue Tactfully
A toxic work environment can have an impact on your mental and physical health, as well as your professional performance. Therefore, it is essential to address how your boss behaves. This can be beneficial for the entire organization, which could be experiencing lower morale, productivity, and retention as a result. However, as the issue is with your boss, it can be challenging to determine who to speak with.
Addressing the issue typically begins by reporting your boss’s discriminatory behavior or harassment to HR or trusted senior leaders within the company. The evidence you previously collected should be presented during this stage, but in a manner that is calm and objective. You must focus on how your boss’s actions have impacted your work, well-being, and the work of other team members.
It is also a good idea to build a network of reliable coworkers, particularly if they have also experienced the toxicity.
Seek Help from External Organizations
If you find that the issue remains unresolved after seeking internal assistance, the next step is to seek help from external organizations. External resources, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), legal advice, regulatory authorities, and mediators, can provide unbiased support and help you cope with the situation.
Discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, such as race or sex, should be reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Alternatively, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can intervene if your boss’s toxic behavior has created severe psychological harm or unsafe working conditions.
When you have exhausted all other options, or your situation involves serious legal issues, then you are best to consult an employment lawyer. It is recommended to consult with an attorney in your area, as employment law can vary from state to state. For example, Sacramento employee grievance help will typically address California employment law.
To conclude, if you are a victim of discrimination or harassment, it can be difficult to cope. This worsens when the person abusing you is your boss. Many employees may be unsure about what to do in this situation, but this post should help guide you in taking the appropriate action.
