Grievance query

josephine82

One practical suggestion for addressing the issue of overwork could be the following: 

At the start of the week make a list of all the tasks you have for that week. Mark everything that is feasible for you to do in a week in some way. As the week goes on cross off anything that you have done. Add in anything new that arises that week. At the end of the week highlight the things you didn’t get to that week. Use that as evidence to discuss your workload- sometimes people hear ‘I’m overworked’ but dismiss it but when presented with evidence (especially if you are high performing) it’s much harder to ignore. 

I’ve done this in a couple of teams and I’ve managed to build enough evidence to put a business case together for an extra post, for example. 

AliceBanned

Thanks Josephine I will try this.

I had to wing it in a team meeting today about a project I only started this morning. They seemed pleased with what I’d done but I was internally freaking out this morning over being so far behind. Maybe I’m better at my job than I currently believe. It was first team meeting since psycho manager left and already feels calmer. I have more hurdles to climb and am not sure why all this has been quite so devastating to me. It’s very hard still.

I think in general times are uncertain anyway at moment which doesn’t help. 

eamon

Just got caught up with this thread. My view on this is. You had the misfortune to get a toxic line manager who for some reason only known to her decided to bully/harass/micromanage/lie to you and your colleagues. HR & Senior Management bought all this nonsense and refused to deal with the outcome. IMO HR & Senior Management will be reluctant to admit that they hired a "wrong un". I'm not surprised that your local Union rep has an apparent cosy relationship with HR etc it happens, perhaps its time for a new rep?

Now that toxic manager has gone have you noticed a better work atmosphere? You have been given a new project to work on, isn't that telling you something i.e. your work is good & valued?

As for the Whatsup App group ask the organiser/creator to delete the toxic ex manager and for that matter anybody else that no longer needs to be in it.

Wishing you the best for the future.

AliceBanned

Thanks everyone, just wanted to send a quick update. I was interviewed again for the promotion and this time was successful! So I am much happier and it does show that things can turn around. It was a long journey and I am in no way assuming the trouble is over (just in case) but the new temporary line manager seems so supportive (and was instrumental n me getting promoted - fair interview process etc and actually has taken an interest in my skills and built a relationship with me). So for now am staying put and am glad I got over that hurdle, massive boost to my self esteem and also potential for the future, as well as earning what I felt I deserved.