Manager making me feel uncomfortable

kjmtidea

I have been in this job for 9 months now, I don't fit in at all but I just keep my head down and get on with the work. One of my managers keeps standing behind me making faces to whoever is in front of me at the time and it is making me feel rubbish.

I know it is such a small, petty thing but it is horrible . The problem I have is, what can I do about it? All of the managers and general manager are really good friends and spend most of their life together so I don't feel like I can really speak to them about it. He did is yesterday in front of my general manager but she didn't say anything to him. I am looking for another job but it may take a while.

I just want to be able to go in and do my job without him trying to make me look stupid. I am quite quiet but I say hi, how are you etc, I prefer to just get on with the work.

duchy

Is this a small firm or a larger one with a seperate HR department ?

Lancslass1982

It really is not just a "small, petty thing," so I'm not surprised at all that it is getting to you. What they are doing is actually a form of bullying and I actually feel sad for the people doing this that they could be such pathetic adults.

I know you say that you just want to keep your head down and that you are quiet, but do you think that next time it happens you could just calmly ask if they are ok behind you and can you help them with anything? Just so they become aware that you know what they are doing? I would maybe think about asking your manager for a quick chat and asking him if there was a problem with your work and letting him know that you are aware that you are a quieter member of the team, but just want to get on with your work. If this is not successful, then HR is your next port of call. I'm sorry you're having to put up with that OP. It is not nice at all.

I would be inclined to ask the face puller if they are having trouble with constipation because they are pulling some terrible faces, but that is just me.:D

moneypuddle

Sorry you're going through this kjmtidea - its not a small thing and it would get to me too.

The only *slightly* good thing is that its very visible form of taunting you, so WHEN you do bring it up, at least no-one is going to doubt you about it happening, and can't really deny it if everyone has seen it. It is I guess better than if you suspected they were doing something secretly but had no real proof.

It annoys me when professional people take part in such petty horrible behaviour. Whilst I dont think they are in the right in anyway, the best thing may just be to get out of there as they sound like horrible people!

indie63

can you not sit you mobile on your desk with the camera pointing up and over your shoulder, when you see him coming near start the video camera on it, you would have him then !! not a leg to stand on.

good luck

kjmtidea

It's a big firm with a seperate HR. I don't have a desk, i'm a general assistant in a gym so constantly on my feet unfortunately!
My partner said that I should mention it when he next does it, it would probably put him on the spot and maybe think about what he is actually doing.
Dreading work tonight though

LadyMissA

tell them their face will stick like that if the wind changes or ask them if they have wind!! LOL

whitewing

If it is a big firm, there may be provision of an employee helpline for an independent counselling service. Maybe check your welcome pack (or whatever) from when you took the job on. This is exactly the sort of situation that the helplines are available for.

If not, there may be something similar for locals in your area.

You just need a bit of help dealing with this to get your courage up. I do think the manager is being unprofessional, but we all have to deal with prats every now and again.

auntymabel

This behaviour is totally unacceptable in the workplace. Please have a look at the link below. And speak to HR.

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=797

kjmtidea

Thanks everyone, I will have a look at that link. I think if it was happening elsewhere is wouldn't bother me so much but because I don't fit in there and feel quite uncomfortable working there at times - it seems worse.

LadyMissA

kjmtidea wrote: »

It's a big firm with a seperate HR. I don't have a desk, i'm a general assistant in a gym so constantly on my feet unfortunately!
My partner said that I should mention it when he next does it, it would probably put him on the spot and maybe think about what he is actually doing.
Dreading work tonight though

Does someone tell you he is behind you or you know? I'd turn round and say 'oh, I think there is something wrong with your face, you may have had a stroke!'