One of our faculty often berates and belittles my supervisor to the point that it's an abusive workplace for her.

Anonymous

December 4,2023 at 6:16PM UTC

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One of our faculty often berates and belittles my supervisor to the point that it's an abusive workplace for her. I'd like to report him, but it is complicated because she is my supervisor, and he hasn't been outright abusive to me. And technically, she probably shouldn't have shown the messages he sent her to me. I've voiced to her that it's absolutely not okay and not normal for someone to treat her like that, but she is convinced it's "just how it is" with faculty (despite him being the only one who treats her like this and to this extent). I'm sure the way to navigate this will be different depending on what universities you work at, but does anyone have experience with this kind of situation? I find it extremely demoralizing, and it's incredibly hard to focus on my job having to deal with him and the way he treats my supervisor. Any advice or recommendations are appreciated!

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AnonymousDecember 4,2023 at 7:11PM UTC
The first and most important thing here is that this person advocate for themselves.
They can go to HR and lodge a complaint. In their complaint they should name you and others as witnesses that can corroborate the behavior. An investigation will include interviewing you and others for their experience.
This should not be led by you. This is a process and if she doesn't want to pursue it then I suggest you let it go.
AnonymousDecember 4,2023 at 8:33PM UTC
Anonymous Reporting hotline could be the way to go. You can say you witnessed it, give details and let it go from there. Or you can talk with the person being bullied and ask if there is anything she needs help with.
AnonymousDecember 8,2023 at 4:21PM UTC
If this person doesn't feel compelled to fight this, then don't bother. You cannot fight someone else's battles. It's inappropriate and might come back to bite you.
AnonymousDecember 8,2023 at 6:34PM UTC
You could take this aside with your HR person and let them know you are witnessing behavior that is concerning. Let them handle it and do this anonymously so as not to focus it on you. Be sure that is asked you do put it in writing and cc yourself so that you have a record of your concern and complaint. If it is affecting your work and productivity then it matters, especially being hostile workplace. Don't be collateral damage and if your company has an employee handbook reference the rules therein when speaking out.
Liz MilneDecember 8,2023 at 8:56PM UTC
Raise an anonymous complaint, asking for someone (in the appropriate department) to review/ audit the faculty member for abuse of his staff. They can examine messages and emails without his permission, if he's been using staff devices to send the messages, or they can ask ALL staff who have contact with him to show their messages from him, so he doesn't connect it with her specifically.
And almost certainly, if he's bullying one person, he's bullying others...