Emotional Abuse in the Workplace

Hostile Work Environments Created by Employers Causes Undue Stress

Oct 18, 2008
Karen Stephenson

Emotional Abuse Hurts - Photo Courtesy of © Kenn W. Kiser

Workplace harassment by employers or managers should have no place in today's world. This is a fairly unrecognized issue yet is a serious problem affecting many people.

The level of emotional and psychological abuse in the workplace is difficult to determine. There are many horror stories of workplace stress that violate labor laws that are surfacing to employment lawyers.

Workplace bullying is usually seen as acts or verbal comments that can mentally hurt or isolate a person in the workplace. Bullying involves repeated incidents or a pattern of behavior that is intended to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group of people. It’s also described as the assertion of power through aggression.

Employment Laws

Unions have rules and regulations to protect their members from abusive employers and hostile work environments. The Public Service Alliance of Canada will not tolerate any form of harassment for its members. They also define personal harassment as being disrespectful behavior that is not covered by human rights legislation.

Currently there is little occupational health and safety legislation in Canada that specifically deals with bullying in the workplace. In Quebec there is legislation that includes psychological harassment in the Act Respecting Labor Standards.

Examples of Bullying

Sometimes workplace harassment by employers can be very subtle or obvious. Some examples may be: excluding or isolating someone from certain benefits or opportunities; intimidation; undermining or deliberately impeding the employee from working; removing areas of responsibilities without just cause; constantly changing work guidelines; establishing impossible deadlines; withholding information or providing wrong information; assigning unreasonable duties; not providing enough work to create a sense of uselessness; yelling or using profane language or persistently criticizing the employee.

How can Workplace Bullying Affect an Individual?

People who are victims of workplace abuse may experience a range of effects. These reactions include:

shock
anger
total frustration
anxiety
increased sense of vulnerability
inability to sleep
loss of appetite
panic attacks about going to work
headaches, pains
inability to concentrate
low morale and productivity

What to Do

Always keep a daily journal to log what happened, the time it occurred and if there were any witnesses. Include as many details as possible about each incident. This information will be highly beneficial if the situation warrants outside intervention. Be sure to keep the journal private from other employees and place it in a safe location. Keep hardcopies (at your home) of any letters, memos, emails or faxes received by the employer or manager.

It is very important to never retaliate to a given situation as you may end up looking like the perpetrator. Remaining calm and appearing as though everything is fine is a very difficult yet necessary task and will take its toll. Be sure to have a support system of family and friends. Talking will release some of the stress. Finding safe methods of stress reduction is crucial to maintain good physical and mental health.

If you know someone who is suffering from workplace abuse be sure to provide as much support as possible. If you feel you are being bullied, discriminated or subjected to any form of harassment you need to get help. In the United States, a good place to start is the US Department of Labor. They will direct you to resources in your area.

In Canada the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is a good resource. You can also check out Canadian Labor Laws by calling 1-800-641-4049.

In serious cases, consulting a lawyer may be prudent in protecting your best interests. In Ontario, a half hour of legal advice is free by calling Osgoode Hall (416-736-5030). They will refer you to a specialized lawyer in your area.

Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...

Comments

Oct 20, 2008 10:28 AM

Lena Gott :

Excellent article! Thank you for sharing information on such a serious and very real workplace occurance.

Nov 4, 2008 3:39 AM

Guest :

It is useful to those of us who have been abused in this way to remember that the person practicing the abuse is a scared little child making a big noise to try and frighten us away from them or, alternatively, a nasty brat that never got reprimanded and always got their own way.

Nov 5, 2008 9:38 AM

Guest :

Seems crazy how some parents preach how bullying in the schools is wrong yet they go to work and bully their employees. Any employer or coworker who treats another person wrong needs serious professional help.

Nov 6, 2008 6:08 PM

Guest :

I was bullied for a year and a half (after I was promoted) worked for the company 5 years - it started with constant nit picking, critisms, withholding information, training, taking credit for my work, taking a lot of my work away and replacing with menial tasks, intimating (banging doors in my face), short of actually hitting me I think I probably have ticked the box for every other bullying tactic. It even escalated to actual sabotaging of my work and than making light of it or deleting things and then saying I hadn't done it properly. Because it was a very dysfunctional company anyway (not going to mention any names but it was (is) one of the biggest companies in the world after 4 months of bringing it to managers notice (I had started documenting everything) I ended up getting fired (unfair dismissal). The main bully even claimed that I was the trouble-maker (and was bullying him) not him or his hench-man. He would act like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. I was let go claiming that I could not work as a team player or under supervision. The reasons I was bullied was 1) the main bully really wanted control over me (he wasn't even my boss, but somehow felt he was superior to me), 2) I think he wanted certain parts of my job (hence the constant critism and that he could do the client training so much better) - he now has my job. 3) His hench-man joined in because he was scared for his job and with me gone that meant he was the only other person that knew the technical side of that work so his job was safe. I am not saying this because I am still angry about the whole thing but both these idiots were completely incompetent (which eventually did show when I had left). They had a whole layer of management hood-winked into thinking they were brilliant. Even the ones that knew better kept silent because they were afraid of going against the grain. Anyway personal changed the unfair dismissal to voluntary redundancy and tried to get me to sign a gagging order). I had quite a bit of hard evidence on sabotaging, scary thing is I only happened on that evidence one day, I would have left that company thinking I was going crazy and completely useless at what I do except for that. I should have brought them to court but I was too emotionally drained and I didn't want my job back. Even if they did let them go I still would have to deal with alot of people that had started to support them even before the sabotaging so I could never trust any of them again

Nov 30, 2008 10:39 PM

Guest :

Thank you for writing this article. I too have my story to tell. Why is there no legal law in Manitoba only Quebec? I want to help change this.

Feb 11, 2009 10:36 AM

Guest :

Thank you for talking about this taboo issue. I worked at a hospital for 17 years in Toronto, Ontario this organization is considered amongst the 100th best employers in Canada by Mclean's magazine and got "permanently laid off" for being a whistle blower on my manager's bullying behaviour towards me. My manager started harassing and bullying me since the day she started working there (2006)I did file fromal complaints, had witnesses however everything was ignored (including their own workplace and code of conduct policies). This abuse injuerd me emotionally and psychologically to the point that all I did was cry. I had to be off work for a few months for health reasons and when I went back to work on modified working hours got fired, but not before I filed another formal complaint 11 days after going back. How can we force the government to do something about this serious problem? I wouldn't want anybody else to go through what I have been through. How can an organization that has policies just for window dressing, policies that are not implemmented get to be classified as one of the best employers in Canada?

Feb 14, 2009 12:20 AM

Guest :

I really appreciate this article because I too am suffering from verbal abuse in the workplace where my department supervisor comes across as a bully. She yells and cuss when she is upset. I work in a hospital and when she gets upset, even the patients here her. My boss is aware of this behavior and covers for her because they are friends. My boss is no protection for us from this woman. I was thinking about quitting, but after reading this, I know I have rights. I will start journaling each days events and recall her horrible, disrespectful, humiliating events of the last 3 months I've worked there and when it happens again. I will stand up and let her now I will no longer take her verbal abuse and take it to hr.

Apr 21, 2009 8:53 PM

Guest :

I too was harrassed by a co-worker for 10 months. I documented every incidet and I did try to defend myself verally a couple of times. This usually happened when we were the only two in the office but at times happened when other people were around. I was a Staff Coordinator for a Home Health Agency and so was she. There were times she yelled at me in front of my staff as well. I tried to talk to my execuative director and my branch manager but was basically told I was blowing it out of proportion and was told I didnt have to like her or get along with her but just do my job and work as a team during working hours. There was basically zero communication between her and I and I was never given messages from the time I was away from the office, making me look bad for not returning calls. After 10 months I got fired for "Poor work perfomrance and product". The thing of it is, she has never been confronted about anything. After 2 weeks without a job, find out today she is telling my staff I got fired and why I got fired. Number one she has no right to know why I got fired and number 2 she has no right to tell others why I got fired. I have applied for unemployment, I havent gotten a decision on it yet, but if I am denied, I will appeal it. I feel I was fired unfairly.

Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM

Guest :

I live in Kansas where there is a Right to Work Law. Basically this means that the employer has the right to treat their employees in whatever manner they deem fit. I have been the victim of Workplace Bullying many times but always thought it was or should be illegal. I have researched this topic extensively in the Wichita Law Library and used some of the law cases cited to back up my claim in my unemployment benefits appeal. The final decision by the UIB judge determined I quit my job "for no good reason" and was found to be disqualified for unemployment.

Jul 27, 2009 10:08 PM

Guest :

I was openly harassed by a co-worker in Canada for almost a year. The supervisor ignored all my complaints because he is close to the harasser. The company has an anti-harassment policy - a sham- just to satisfy the labour board. The HR manager pretented to conduct an investigation. An investigation with no witnesses or evidence. An investigation with no report at the end. An investigation in which they hung a brown girl without a fair trial. And now they want the brown girl to wake up from the dead and thank them for all they have done for her. Big company - big promises - big sins! Hope you are reading this - miss perfect investigator HR Manager!

Aug 6, 2009 4:14 PM

Guest :

This article is very helpful to those of us who have expierienced mental abuse and bullying in the workplace. I am currently in a situation where my work is very minimal and I am literally kept in isolation. I believe the tactic is to make me feel dumb and useless.
I started with my current employer in 2003 and worked under a female office manager; she made my life a living hell the day I stepped foot in that office. Apparently there was a love triangle that I had walked into and was accused of knowing the boss a little too well; that was not the case at all. I was hired by the plant manager behind the office managers back and ever since have paid dearly. Needless to say she was so obsessed with sabatogin my paperwork and making me think I was completely out of my mind I think someone took this to corporates attention and she is no longer with the company. Her good friends still work for the company and whenever they can they make me feel like i am insane or dumb and poke fun. The field people now work out of a trailer that occupies the yard; and I am in isolation and given very little work to do. Today one of the guys came in and asked me if I smoked pot I took offense and let him know that he insulted me. I did not find it funny especially since he make a joke out of me in front of the new office help; and she started laughing. I just wish adults would act like adults and stop picking on people who did nothing to them. This has caused a great deal of pain torment in my life and has taken a toll on my marriage. I will continue to stay strong and hope a new opportunity comes my way.

Aug 8, 2009 9:06 PM

Guest :

This is in reply to the Aug 6 post. My post appeared on July 27.
I am not quitting. I transferred to another location & am striving to continually excel in my job.
I am collecting evidence that will damn those who looked away from it all when I was being bullied. They assumed a brown immigrant girl is too stupid to know her rights. I am doing a lot of reasearch on labour laws and human rights. They know it now and are constantly worried about what I am upto and what is coming next.
I do not want to end it all by walking out and give them peace of mind.
My pay went down and benefits were cut and I was given some silly excuses for it.
I am staying and fighting for my rights. I will see to it that no one else who works for the company has to face what I had to face.

I am a survivor.

Aug 18, 2009 11:02 AM

Guest :

Guest,

I often work on contract within the non profit sector, and have been on the receiving end of bullying on many occassions. In one case, the employer or one of his stakeholders - read business sponsor - sent an unmarked car to my home to harass me. Usually my documented complaints lead to dismissal or increased harassment - more work, fewer resources, and continual change in work responsibilities. In one large and well known cancer charity, there was actually pushing and shoving and screaming. None of the people who orchestrated these situations were reprimanded; others,including myself were dismissed without cause. The form of bullying I have been subject to is harassing remarks when I am alone with a coworker or with a supervisor. When confronted, the perpetrator(s) usually deny the incidents ever occurred.

For a short period of time, I worked for two senior civil servants who spent the day cursing very loudly in their offices. Although not directed at me, it created a negative atmosphere in which to work.

While I have been successful in several wrongful dismissal cases, I have suffered the consequences of job loss, and lack of references. Verbal harassment and bullying by woman managers and supervisors is a very common in the voluntary sector; not enough staff and too much stress. I am a woman myself, who has been on the receiving end. In my limited experience, these women were extremely manipulative, with protective alliances with upper management,who were oblivious to their modus operandi. In other cases, these women thought sarcasm and criticism was a normal form of communication.

Oct 10, 2009 9:00 PM

Guest :

There are times when you think it is only happening to you at work but when you look around you realize its epidemic when you work for a tyrannt who has no respect for her employees it has become a very sad world for many of us who need to keep our jobs and can't afford to say how we really feel because of the fear of losing them, your website was inspirational to know I am not alone. Its hard to let go of the frustration that nothing can be done but we all try to deal as best we can . Thank you for letting me vent.

Dec 10, 2009 12:26 PM

Guest :

DOES THIS INCLUDE BEING CALLED FAT BY 1 PERSON EVERY DAY?

Dec 17, 2009 7:07 PM

Guest :

I made the postings on July 27 & Aug 8 and am silently continuing my fight against the HR Dept's deliberate disregard of my complaint against a co-worker. It has been more than a year since the first incident arose and almost six months since I transferred to another ofifce.

I heard about the new Bill in Ontario. Does any one here know if the BIll would apply to my employer since we have offices all across the country?
We have the same HR policies for all offices. I am hoping the HR Dept will be compelled to do something in Ontario and the benefit will be extended to all our offices.

Dec 27, 2009 7:39 PM

Guest :

Bravo...how true!

Jan 12, 2010 8:32 PM

Guest :

I too suffer from verbal/emotional/mental abuse from my employer. I work for a doctor who has an outstanding reputation across North America. Unfortunately the office manager, his wife, seems to ruin this. Not only does she verbally abuse the patients we see, but some of the staff too. I personally have been yelled at, and even fired, in front of a waiting room full of patients. I have been told that "my mistake made the office look stupid" and "why do I even have you here if I'm doing all the work myself?" after following her instructions of asking her to make certain appointments for us. I am also on a salary wage, with paid sick days. I was docked pay because I was in the hospital for a surgery, and I feel, for not telling her why. Unfortunately patients have made complaints to the medical board, and employees to the labour board, and nothing has been done. What's worse is that the doctor himself is allowing this treatment of his patients and employees to continue. I am at my wits end and am emotionally and mentally exhausted. I am pursuing other employment, but am concerned for my health in the meantime (troubles sleeping, no energy, and a condition - acid reflux, that has gotten worse with the anxiety I feel everyday being there). Is there anything I can do on my end, to bring peace to me?

Jan 30, 2010 12:44 PM

Guest :

My boss has a horrible personality. I can't ask him a question with out getting a snotty half tailed answer and dirty looks. He, in a way without speaking, makes me feel stupid. There is one employee that he "buddies" up with everyday. This employee is good for making fun of other co workers, creating duroggatory knick names while the my boss allows it to happen, even laughs with her. She openly complains about her job duties and make comments about wanting to quit. My father died a few weeks ago of cancer, I watched him die, took him off life support. When I returned to work, no one made any effort to ask how I was or to say they were sorry for my loss. When I told him I was having a hard time with coping with the loss of my father, he told me to get over it and to suck it up because he doesn't care. He then proceded to tell me it would be a waste to move me to a different department because I would have reasons to complain about anything I do. He said these things to me in front of the HR Manager, and it all started because I asked him why another employee gives work that she doesnt want to do to me. He told me if I dont like being full time to either suck it up or drop to a part time status. I am so devistated that I feel I can't return to work.

Feb 2, 2010 5:16 PM

Guest :

When people cant work in peace anymore, heaven help where our future is going! I too was a victim of bullying and I can tell you, if any company knows how to bully staff and get away with it, its the banks!! No industry is more dangerous and plays more games that them, excet one, the mafia. In watching underbelling and having served a bank in brisbane, I see similarities. I see how people can be tormented, and abused. If anyone has ever suffered in the hands of a bank, please make it known, because in time I think, banks are going to have a fight on their hands. If they say they care about people, they are actually saying, they only care about themselves. They live in a world of their own, and if someone is injured because of them, they turn the tables to make it look like the victim was the troublemaker. One would be shocked at the things these banks do behind people's backs so that they dont have to pay them anything for the damage they cause. Decent people, stop working, get sick and need help emotionally because of them. Its their treatment of staff and customers that gave them the brilliant name BASTARDS and even that word today, is more of an understatement!!!

Apr 29, 2010 10:18 PM

Guest :

OMG, I am glad I am not alone. I had gone to bed, but couldn't sleep like other nights. I don't know if I top it off with everyone's concerns here but I feel for all of you. I have been working in a hostile work environment for over 10 years, documented everything, never been written up, filed my complaint and nothing has been done about it. I pray all the time, telling the man upstairs you know what is exactly going on but I receive no answers or my work doesn't get any better. The lady I worked for has been in the judicial system for 20 plus years, she is a Court Administrator but she runs the whole judicial system. There are about 10 other courts and everybody from bottom to the top are afraid of her. She is buddy with her boss and he never has done anything about her. In 1997, she tried to run over a couple of her employees, the employees filed against her the Court Administrator was found guilty for Aggravated Assault and returned to her supervisory position a month after her hearing and to this day she still works at the court. Now, what is wrong with this. She had harassed me after a year of working for the court and I have kept records of everything since 2001. I have suffered emotional break downs, sleeplessness and you name it I have suffered. I did file with the Labor Department who did not do a damn thing! Now it's to the next level, Labor Commissions. Please say more prayers for me that this my final filing and the truth will hold. Keep fighting everyone.

Apr 29, 2010 10:19 PM

Guest :

May 12, 2010 3:26 PM

Catherine Green :

Thank you for a well-written and very apt article! I recently left my place of full-time occupation at an international logistics company because my office manager and supervisor were treating myself and several colleagues in a very bullish and unprofessional way. Unfortunately I wasn't in a position to pursue a tribunal but I did see a solicitor and am glad I spoke up and got the hell out of there before they did me some serious damage!

To everybody in the same situation: Be strong, you are always the better person.

Catherine

May 16, 2010 9:47 AM

Guest :

I made two posts earlier about harassment by a colleague. The supevisor and HR manager did nothing about it. I was transferred, pay went down immediately and I was given impossible sales goals to achieve this year. The goals were so ridiculous it was obvious they were set up to make me fail so the big corporation could find a cause to fire a high performing black girl who dared to complain about harassment from a white man.
I left this month realizing my battles with the corporation were hurting the employees under my supervison. The entire city I look after got dragged down with unreasonable goals and employees under my supervision lost their bonuses as they could not meet the goals.
I hope you are sleeping in peace now Ms HR Manager of the big corporation which tramples down little men and women who earn the big profits so you can sit in a cosy office all year and do nothing for them.

May 30, 2010 12:45 PM

Guest :

Life hurts so bad when you are abused on a daily basis. I am leaving the profession I love because of my female boss. I was trained by two wonderful Veterinarians in North Van. after I finished my certification as a Vet Tech. Life was good, until I moved to a rural area, bought a house and got a job at the local clinic. This Vet breaks every rule of the BCVMA board , and the verbal and mental abuse is astounding. I can't take the stress , my chest tightens up so bad, I am afraid for my health. Instead of looking forward to each morning, I dread it the night before. She has a favorite right now, because her son does all these errands for her, like fixing her flat tires, etc. Two people have left this year already, 5 left last year. Now it is my turn. How sad, because this is the area of work I love. Now she has created hate in my heart..all towards her. The clients suffer as well. thanks for the article.

May 30, 2010 12:46 PM

Guest :

Jun 23, 2010 3:11 PM

Guest :

Its very discouraging to see so many people going thru the same conflicts. I guess we never really leave the high school scene. After getting a promotion within a company I had only been with 6 months in 2007. I started being verbally abused it came to the point I didn't know what end was up or down. Being in a supervisor position my abuser was my equal. Yet not matter how many times I complained with camera prof or the detailed discripts from other workers with the same problem person. Evidence kept being swept under the rug. After 1 1/2yrs of employment everytime I reported abuse I was writen up shortly after until I was dismissed. I filed for unemployment I was approved. Then it was fought by my employer thank god I had evidence and funny enough my employer had none which proved they had fired me for something other then they reported. After a long lived trip on unemployment I decided to go to school and change careers. I found a job 2 months after I graduated if a field I really love but here I am again looking at a health field agency that doesn't return my calls with complaints about another employee coming to relieve me yelling at me in my clients kitchen because the client is unhappy with her work but can't stop talking about how she enjoys it when I'm there. So the world cracks on my days off as she disputes with this work my equal I have to deal with her yelling at me. This has happened twice so far. When I call my after hours hotline seeing I work 7am til 7pm office closes at 5pm I'm always told I will receive a phone call from my branch manager but I haven't heard anything. When these behaviors occured the first time and I didn't receive a call I called again today I receive no call back after reporting things yesterday I was told this worker was being moved but I have yet to see any changes. I'm young with many years of work a head of me is this really how I will be treated til I retire? I feel like I'm wrong or being good at my job. To top my sundae I was passed up for a promotion after being here 8months because my bosses said my clients refuse to let me go that I am to good a worker to be promoted to a supervisor position?? Make sense??

Jul 14, 2010 4:58 AM

Guest :

I worked for a Comedy club for over 4 years and was terminated within my first month because I could not come in on a Friday due to being ill from a chemo treatment that afternoon. After a few months, they called, apologized, and hired me back. I didn't have another option so I went back only to work the remainder of the years being called names like uni-ball, one nut, limp d**k, etc. People would always make fun of my cancer and some even went as far as to say they hoped I'd die from it. I told my boss several times and they stopped when he was around but when he wasn't then it got even worse because I told on them. They closed to relocate and I was promised my job back. Well, it's been over 8 months and they are about to reopen and have filled my spot even though I have made contact several times to get it back. I'm from Missouri. The emotional strain of this has caused severe anxiety, stress, and I never sleep and barely eat. Most times I feel suicidal. Is there anything I can do?

Oct 15, 2010 1:06 PM

Guest :

Wow. I cannot tell you the number of agencies, including domestic violence in regards to my boss being abusive. No one could or could refer me to someone who could help me. Over 12 years of working for a Jekyll and Hyde boss. She "let me go" this past Monday October 11, 2010.

Oct 21, 2010 5:18 AM

Guest :

it is really helpfull my manager treats everybody like crap getting into there face call them name and stuff like that and he tell us if we dont like it find a different job knowing that jobs are hard to find here he trys to push you to the edge and know but this article it helps me to know what to do about him thanks for this page

Oct 24, 2010 3:56 PM

Guest :

Great Article---this is an epidemic that is the white elephant in the room. This doesn't only happen in Canada. In Minnesota I worked for a Law Firm...you heard it, a Law Firm. This Law Firm worked for the big 3 Automakers winning lots of roll over SUV accidents. The HR department was in on the bullying. The HR Deparment knew who was doing this awful life threatening behavior. On 3 occaisions a 30 year old co-worker sprayed scented items over the cubicle wall knowing I was allergic and would go into antipylactic shock. She had a new car and a cat....I had a home I had been in for 20 years and an adult mentally ill son depending on me. I wonder how many years she took off my asthmatic life. Obviously some employers and co-workers have conconscience. How could you possible threaten another person's life and not even think about it. The stress at the time was unreal. I went to church every day on my lunch to gain the strength to make it through the day without crying. Eventually I was let go via a Monday morning phone call with a trumped up charge, the same way the women who had been in the position was let go after 17 years. I wonder if the 30 year old learned anything and if she is still there. I made the mistake of telling my current employer--now my supervisor deliberately put on scented hand sanitizer right before a department meeting in a small office. Is this any different than someone threatening you with a gun? I don't think so...just as stressful and also damaging on the lungs.

Oct 29, 2010 11:49 PM

Guest :

I have never had bllod pressure issues until I started work the job that I am about to be fired from (found all my passwords changed tonight) but working in such a toxic work place had me going to the hospital in an ambulance with a blood pressure of 205/120. Why? I was thinking about work all day on my day off.
I am happy to be rid of the place - seriously - I just hope to get EI. I think this article is a must read for those who have experienced it and are having to go EI with a (s)he/(s)he story. Book marked! THANK YOU

Oct 30, 2010 3:56 PM

Guest :

I am going through the same thing at my job... I am being belittled all the time. Made to feel worthless because I am not a management team member. Worse yet. They are making fun of the fact that i am Jewish. Making comments like
"Go find an Oven"
"Wanna find out if bones burn, Ask a Jew"
"You Filthy Jew"
"so you will be gaining a rolodex of lawyers now"

What is even more sad the workplace has already tolerated a gay bashing slur on the sales floor by a member of management against a person who is known to be gay. This manager unfortunately is an "untouchable" person.
So it is basically three people against one.
Already went through the HR process... waiting for the results.. Fearful nothing will happen or worse negative action will be taken against me.

Oct 30, 2010 3:57 PM

Guest :

Nov 13, 2010 12:39 PM

Guest :

Very good article and the posts I've read are horrible. So many of them can be used in a lawsuit against the employer where I can't see them winning when they make remarks about sex, race, religion etc. At this moment I'm working in hell. The boss constantley screams at us. She also intimidates us, interrupts us while answering her, gives us unrealistic deadlines and always asking us what we're doing when she can see that we're working! I've had it. No one yells at me as though I'm a slave. I'm writing a letter to corp. witch is out of state and stating everything. The mgr. under her is getting just as bad. She's taking on her intimidation. In the meantime, I'm learning from here what to say and how to handle it while waiting.

Nov 18, 2010 7:47 PM

Guest :

I really needed this article. My boss continuously uses profane language towards me and is persistently criticizing me.

Jan 3, 2011 9:03 PM

Guest :

Wow, so happy I found this site. I have been bullied for 5yrs, I have been off for the past year because I got hurt at work. Tried to go back this week and all i do is cry. So I have no choice but save my sanity and quit. HR does nothing, after repeted attempts to get help. I am not the only one. 3 weeks ago a manager was rushed to hospital after she fainted from stress and mental abuse. Now i must face the fact this company will not change. They are huge here in Canada and very powerful. Over four thousand employees. They tend to pick on the elderly, because they know they have no where else to go. One person is in charge and she makes life horrid for all. The president is just a figure head. My injury is forever, and has changed my life. Codes of conduct is a sham, looks good on paper but thats it.

Jan 6, 2011 12:42 AM

Guest :

totally true..... thanks.

Jan 17, 2011 11:12 AM

Guest :

I recently started a new job and I believe I am the victim of this type of abuse from my manager. She speaks to me in a threatening manner almost daily, but soft spoken,right in front of my face. I have tried to focus on my work and then she asks why I am so quiet and avoid eye contact with her to the other employees loud enough where I can hear. When she speaks to me, it is right in front of my face two inches away and she inappropriately touches me...on the behind, on my waist (I am female and it is very uncomfortable). She micromanages everything to the point that I want to stop my work and ask her to please do it for me, I can't quite do it properly. She made a policy and procedure recently that piled so much more work on us, I have had to forfeit my breaks and work 9 to 10 hours non-stop and then get in trouble for overtime! I need this job because I have children and there is health insurance... there are no other jobs which offer benefits in my area. My health is suffering and I am afriad I might just lose it, but I am starting to document things and hopefully her behavior will stop.

Jan 21, 2011 12:29 PM

Guest :

Also in the direct line of bullying, I'm flabbergasted at the cruel and in-humane treatment received in the work place. I like the above article but the bottom line is that there is no recourse for the person on the receiving end and more than often end up taking another job is what occurs. There is a good deal of vengence obtained when bullies win and it happens repeatedly. The irony is that bullies are highly paid to be just who they are. They deliver nastiness and receive sympathy for no reason. Another bottom line: no one really cares unless it is happening to them. No one should live a life of fear, suffer emotionally or believe what even everyone says about them or does to them.

I've been employed for 12 years with the same company in different positions and had had five different bosses in seven years. I work in a dysfunctional and toxic environment but I am a loner and have never cared for "clicks". I had just had a feeling that my current boss was in fear of something but didn't know what. I think the article hit upon it with employee competency and maturity. Integrity is not something you see much of these days. I get along with everyone whether they want to or not but realize it is only one-way. Though I am glad there is someone out there who at least understands.

Jan 24, 2011 8:21 PM

Guest :

I am in complete anxiety and fear to return to work. There should be a criminal code for such conduct from employees and employers. I am very discouraged by the lack of professionalism at my place of employment.

Mar 14, 2011 5:28 PM

Guest :

A very good article but is it practical in all sense. How do an employee deal with consequences after - telling he truth about leaving your former job in a new job interview; treatment and reaction from co-workers and management; or unfair and tainted job recommendation if requested by your new employer.
This too needs to be addressed. Fear killeth those who would wish to have openness about these suffering.

Mar 16, 2011 2:36 PM

Guest :

thankyou for this. i thought i was going mad.... im clearly being bullied and its making me ill.my self confidence is at an all time low. god give me strength to stop this. i want to curl up and not walke up.

Mar 29, 2011 9:43 PM

Guest :

I am up because I can't sleep due to work issues you have mentioned. It is nice to know I am not alone.

Apr 6, 2011 7:35 PM

Guest :

IT WAS AWESOME :) HELPED A LOT :D :))

Apr 10, 2011 5:56 PM

Guest :

Excellent article! I was a previous manager in a workplace and chose to step back to the non-management ranks for the same employer as I could see changes in the organizational management style that I did not agree with. The union allowed this within a year of non-union work. I've had management courses and furthered my education in organizational understanding on my own. The employer was stepping backwards in their workplace philosophy and I was hoping to step forwards. After steping down in 2007 I've been intimidated and harassed by the organization management that continues to this day in 2011. Over a period of 6 years the organization has lost eight of its managers (3 were dismissed and 5 left on their own accord). In an organization that only has 4 junior managers and 2 senior that's quite a trend. Awkwardly enough, the union is weak in my organization as everyone lives and works in fear of retaliation from the employer, furthermore in a public sector the options to improve the workplace are not based upon business prospects and fiscal earnings but upon cutting the buck in every way possible. The morale of employees has no value. This article brings to value areas and reasons for workplace harassment and poisoning that are not otherwise highlighted in other articles that focus more on discrimination. Hopefully Ontario brings forth a law or bill that covers such specific ideals to protect employees from the acts of revenge and retaliation that management can have upon their employees.

Apr 21, 2011 10:55 AM

Guest :

It is a good article and I think workplace bullying happens more often than even admitted. After 8 years, the first couple not so bad, I have finally admitted to someone outside the office that my boss is an unbearable tyrant. It has come to the point where I try to avoid him as much as possible, can't even stand to approach him over anything, never knowing if it is the time he will blow up again. I want to leave and am working towards that, however I need my job at this time. Being single it is my only income and good jobs are hard to come by, so I am working on starting my own business.
The negativity of the workplace is draining. My boss is the most negative, bullying, disrespectful person I have ever known. Add paranoia and anger issues and he earns the title of tyrant! He is demeaning, raises his voice in misplaced authority, and seems to do everything he can to make myself or my other co-worker as miserable as he is. He creates such drama in the workplace, talks critically behind our backs. He may be the boss but he has no management or people skills whatsoever.
Working for a small company there is no HR dept to go to. Only alternative is to get out. One person in the past quit because of this childish bullying behaviour and his health is all the better for it. I stand up to him more than I used to but this is not the kind of environment I wish to continue in. I believe he believes since he pays someone he can be this way, since he does not treat his business associates this way. I have noticed he is actually quite cowardly when it comes to confrontation. It is like dealing with a very bad child dressed in men's clothing. However, I do believe there are employers who do respect their employees but they are very few and far between, this is very sad.

Apr 27, 2011 6:19 PM

Guest :

I like this article and i wish it would go further. Is knit picking and micro managing also included in this form of abuse? How about openly disrespecting an employee in front of subordinates?

May 23, 2011 7:42 PM

Guest :

Thanks for writing this article. I really think it helps people feel they are not alone with this issue. I experienced an extremely hostile enviroment and wished I had left sooner. I wasn't giving my kids enough attention and it led to other issues. I would just say your peace of mind counts for a lot and best of luck to everyone else going thru something similiar.

Sep 9, 2011 12:26 PM

Guest :

I have an issue with my employer, I am a disabled veteran that does have VA Dr. appointments to keep. Normally I will go to work, work until my appointment time leave for the appointment then return to work after. My employer now tells me that if I have if I have an appointment I will have to take the whole day off without pay. I am a salary employee that works in excess of 50-60 hours per week with no compensation for all the additional hours I put in and he is now telling me that I will have to come in on Sunday to make up for my appointment if I wish to be paid... I hate my life

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