Toxic Workplace
I'm curious - could I post here about a toxic workplace and workplace bullying? I'm dealing with a job that is already burning me out due to not utilizing me to my fullest potential and I've been bullied by my team for the last year and a half. I'm hoping to find a group that will help me get through this and stay focused on getting out to a better situation. Is this the place for that?
Anonymous
09/10/20 at 3:10PM UTC
So...another update. The same day that the report on the HR investigation was filed, my bosses boss demanded me back to the department and off the project I was working on - claiming they were running low on staff. Once I returned I found that the staffing issue was exaggerated and the work flow was unbelievably low compared to when I left for the project. Then management started changing work demands for me daily. Not too hard to figure out this is retaliation - especially since the rumor mill is that they believed I was behind the complaint that lead to the investigation (I wasn't - I was more focused on getting out of the department rather than trying to take down anyone - but whatever). So I kept trying to do my job, but the burnout was increasing and within a week my blood pressure had shot up so high my physician put me on medication (never had a blood pressure problem before) and also referred me to mental health treatment and a medical leave of absence. I was back in the unit a total of 17 business days with several taken off for doctors appointments before going on medical leave.
So I am currently on a medical leave and getting intensive mental health treatment along with multiple medical tests. My first day of leave my bosses boss contacts me and with a message of "You are permitted to transfer from your current position... You can take your funded position with you so you do not need to limit your options..." and closes with "This is not a mandatory move, and is provided as an option to assure your greatest possible comfort and productivity in the workplace. " What is annoying is I put in a transfer request in NOVEMBER of last year and it's now AUGUST and I'm on medical leave when suddenly I'm now allowed to transfer.....GEE THANKS - your dirty is showing.
So now I'm in a situation where I am obviously going to be leaving either by transfer or the organization completely- however this whole situation has now become a war and I'm probably going to have to continue being involved as a witness/victim for the foreseeable future and I'm wondering how to present myself in the job search....especially when asked "So why did you leave your last job" or similar questions about former employers. I'm looking for a career coach or agent who is specialized in reputation rebuilding or career after scandal.
FGB user
1.41k
08/10/20 at 5:33PM UTC
Ask yourself: what do you really really want to do regardless of your degree? Have you ever been happy in any of these jobs? What would you be doing if you designed your ideal job? What is the ideal next step as the bridge between now and your future? Your next role may not be the ideal one, but it can be a launchpad... How happy are you in this role? Is your peace of mind more important than justice in a company that does not seem to truly value justice from what I understand? I do not know the full context, but you have nothing to prove to anyone and you deserve better.
Anonymous
06/22/20 at 2:05PM UTC
At this point a complaint has been filed (not by me) and an HR investigation is ongoing. It seems pretty ugly and people outside our department are participating in the investigation. I have managed to get assigned to a different department temporarily for a project. At this point I'm taking everything one day at a time.
I've also found out from a manager in the know that the "transfer list" is considered a "black list" - I hate to leave my current organization, but I'm beginning to wonder if there is any resolution here for me or if any comparable opportunities are out there.
In terms of what "reaching my potential" would look like I honestly have no idea. I'm in my 40s and my career has largely been working whatever provided a paycheck until I get laid off. Basically I've been misunderstood my whole career - by that I mean my work experience (even professional stuff like legal assistant, accounts receivable, and communications/public relations/community outreach - none of which lasted more than 18 months) did not match my degree (interior design) so I couldn't even get in the door for any of the jobs that I'd had before. Ultimately, I ended up going back to school 5 years ago for another degree in organizational leadership. Now, in my early 40s I'm burned out and all I want in a job is to contribute the knowledge I have gained through my diverse experience and not be hassled in the course of doing my job.
Jackie RukaProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
2.72k
06/03/20 at 2:50AM UTC
So sorry you are experiencing this, going to a toxic workplace is very stressful. What would reaching your potential look like?
Denise PopishEmergency Manager for DHS/OEM Colorado
105
04/17/20 at 4:03PM UTC
It sounds like you are doing exactly what you should be doing. As Jackie stated above, keep good documentation, regardless of how frustrated you may be. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, if it's been 6 months and you have not had the issue addressed, go back to them, remind them. Sometimes it feels like we are being ignored but the truth is, we are probably not the only ones with issues. Maybe a gentle little, "hey, just checking in, is there anything else you need from me?" might shake them awake again. Good luck, I feel for you, it's a scratchy place to be.
Anonymous
04/04/20 at 2:47PM UTC
I have documented major incidents and do my best to keep a work journal. I have spoken with HR and also my union. The only option is to start an investigation (which, they admit, almost always results in the bullying escalating) or put myself a transfer list for another job. It's been 6 months since I talked with them and opted for the transfer list - and I'm still in the same place.
Jackie GhedineCoach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
04/04/20 at 11:34AM UTC
I'm sorry you are dealing with this right now. Unfortunately, you are not alone as toxic work cultures and toxic people are a mainstay in today's organizations.
Have you talked with HR about what is happening at your job? Are you documenting situations and events so you have an ongoing record of the actions happening? This is the first step.
When we deal with toxic people, we always look to see how we can change them, make them stop, get them to 'see' the light, the likelihood of that happening is very slim unless HR really steps in and kabashes it.
So what does that leave you with, figuring out how you manage yourself. You cannot change the situation but your reaction to the situation.
I host a podcast called, Make Your Life Magnificent and this week's episode is part one (next week is part two) all on toxic people and toxic relationships. It may be a good starting point.
https://www.therestingmind.com/podcast-1
It also on apple podcasts, stitcher or wherever you may listen.
I'm a life and business coach so ask away and I will do what I can to help.
