I recently received a promotion at work that I’ve been excited about for months now.

Anonymous

November 15,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

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I recently received a promotion at work that I’ve been excited about for months now.

Now, that I’m in my new position, I’ve noticed that I do not have the authority to create disciplinary reports nor do I have the ability to terminate employees. The only person who has this power is right above me and he’s been newly promoted into his position as well. Here comes my concerns; whenever I have issues with team members, he doesn’t seem to take them seriously. The concerns that I have are serious to the point that I would suggest immediate termination.

Yet, he has allowed team members to be rude and disrespectful towards managers, coworkers and customers as well. I really do not want to go above his head out of respect, but in hopes of seeing some sort of resolution to the issues that I have been dealing with. I think he’s more afraid of having to deal with issues from HR if any of the team members were to file a grievance for wrongful termination. However, I honestly do not think he would have any issues because termination would be justifiable. He’s given verbal warnings multiples times, and he’s taken disciplinary actions as well but nothing has changed. I love my job, but I refuse to work for a company that allows this toxic work environment. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 4:37PM UTC
I would continue to document each offense, write the individual up and keep a log so there is proof.
Have a 1:1 and review your documentation and ask him what he wants to do to address the person(s).
If you feel strongly about the issues then you will need to drive change. Bring his boss into the discussion if he decides he can't or won't get involved.
AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 4:44PM UTC
Are the verbal warnings documented? Have there been written warnings? Typically there is a process with HR (so a manager follows the company rules for disciplinary action) so that the company is protected against wrongful termination and so that the employee is given time to turn it around. The manager should be working with HR on these types of things.
AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 11:51PM UTC
To answer your questions, yes everything is being documented or at least I hope so. He has have given these individuals more than enough time to change their bad behavior, but it’s only getting worse. I’ve never had to deal with this sort of behavior without there being consequences. Honestly, I’m at my wits end and I have been looking for another job. If something doesn’t change soon, I will have to leave this job for my own mental health.
AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 1:48PM UTC
He should engage HR to make sure things are documented correctly and that the corrective action is being done correctly (I know you know this though with someone in a new management position this can be tough). I would imagine if you are feeling this way then others are also. Have you discussed how you are feeling with him?
AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 5:18PM UTC
I know this is hard to read, but it literally isn't your job to discipline others in the department. It also isn't your role to tell your boss how and when to do it. You can raise concerns and document that you did, but it sounds like he isn't skilled enough and confident enough (yet) to do it. He may not ever be.If you have both been the peers of these people for a while, that can be a hard transition for everyone, too. Finally, it is easy to sit in judgment of someone else until you are actually in fhe chair where you have to deal with people. Try not to armchair him. He may have plans you know nothing about.
AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 11:03PM UTC
He actually left the company years back, but returned just recently and was promoted once he came back. The employees are neither mine nor his peers, so that isn’t the issue whatsoever. I left for a few weeks to go to another store for training and when I came back, he was (to my surprise) my new general manager. So like you stated, perhaps he isn’t confident enough to do so.
I’m actually in a position right below him, so I’m aware of everything that has been documented for future references. He’s been very good at keeping myself as well the other managers informed about his plans moving forward. However, the issues are escalating which has made working very uncomfortable for myself and my team members. I was wondering if it would be inappropriate if I were to go above him to have these issues addressed swiftly.
Crystal HowellNovember 16,2022 at 8:30PM UTC
Toxic environment is not worth it!
It's not your job, move on and Be Happy when you go home!