Bullying at work - how to play it

NoNoDrama

I've recently started a new job for a large national company. My team leader has been bullying me pretty much since the first day since I arrived on the team, and also likes to get the team 2nd involved. (her willing yes man) Instances involve relentless criticism and humiliation in front of other colleagues. (telling me off like a child). I'm in fear of asking a question incase of the inevitable negative response.

By my own admission I can be quite timid when starting a new job until I get settled in, she seems to be using this against me. My current plan of action is to stick it out until payday (20th) then simply leave. At least this way I'll limit the financial impact on myself and will be able to pay my rent...if I leave now (which i'm dying to do) i'll leave myself in a bit of a mess.

My question is are the other avenues even worth bothering with? Such as HR grievance procedure or putting in a complaint? I've only been there less than a month she has been there a few years so I doubt they'd listen I'd just be made out to be the disruptive new person, especially if this culture is embedded in the company.

One other option is back-chat ... I'm quite good at this maybe responding to her with some quick witty responses will help? Humiliate her infront of the team like she does with me...maybe she will lay off then?

Any help or experience people have had with similar situations like mine would be appreciated

jazabelle

If you're planning on leaving anyway, I'd put in a complaint - that way there is a possibility it will improve. Also, even if they don't do much about it now, if every new person complaints - they will have to take notice eventually.

Incyder

NoNoDrama wrote: »

One other option is back-chat ... I'm quite good at this maybe responding to her with some quick witty responses will help? Humiliate her infront of the team like she does with me...maybe she will lay off then?

sounds good to me as you have very limited options.
start thinking of what sort of things to say and practise them with a mate at home.
Only use them after you have got paid so if it all goes wrong you can leave anyway.

greektony

I was in a similar position but had the good fortune of landing a job paying almost 3 times as much. Its funny when you hand in your notice how suddenly everyone values your contribution

NoNoDrama

I wouldn't hand in my notice, just leave. Maybe it's better to get sacked (after pay day) in my circumstances ? As i'll be needing to sign on until I find something else.

MrRedundant

How are you being bullied?

Googlewhacker

The above don't really solve the problem. Have you tried to talk to her about the fact you are new and that it takes time for you to learn things?

The fact is if you can brave to chat back then you brave talking to your boss!

iltisman

Arrange for some misfortune to befall them.

Plans_all_plans

Have you got another job to go to/savings to live off? If you leave you can be sanctioned by the benefits agencies for up to 26 weeks I think it is.

I wouldn't leave just yet if I were you. Take your manager aside and tell that you're still finding the ropes and that you feel as though her comments are unfair criticisms of your work, which is upsetting you.

At least TRY to resolve the issue. She may just be an aggressive character in general, who doesn't realise she's overstepped your tolerance level.

vroombroom

I had a similar problem when I joined my team - my manager has 'newbie-itis'. She found fault with everything I did, put me down in front of team mates etc. I tried to put a grievance in but as she has been there 14 odd years and considered one of the fixtures, it was thrown out due to not having any witnesses:(

After that it stopped for a while, but since I announced my pregnancy she has started again - she comments on how much I eat, tells people to move out the way for the elephant when I walk down the corridor, blames me for stuff that happens that has nothing to do with me - but then says its cos I am pregnant I cant remember doing it etc

I am leaving in 10 weeks and by the time I come back she will have retired, so I am just putting her down to a bitter old woman

Good luck with whatever you decide and you have my sympathy x

Googlewhacker

vroombroom wrote: »

I had a similar problem when I joined my team - my manager has 'newbie-itis'. She found fault with everything I did, put me down in front of team mates etc. I tried to put a grievance in but as she has been there 14 odd years and considered one of the fixtures, it was thrown out due to not having any witnesses:(

It wasn't thrown out because she was the 'fixture' as you put it, it was thrown out because you could not prove it.

She obviously should not be calling you an Elephant but you need to be recording these in a book and if there are witnesses etc.