Hostile work environment

Question

I work at a small company.  A few years ago, I was chairing a staff meeting when a male. colleague and I engaged in an argument about a client. The colleague became angry, called me an expletive and stormed our of the room.  I immediately told HR and the head of the company. They sent the offending colleague home for the day and said they took care of it but he refused to apologize. We do not speak to each other and it’s uncomfortable to work there now.

Carrie Topolski · Answer

Have to break the ice.  Have you tried talking to them about the situation? Maybe try forgiving instead of seeking an apology and try talking about why you both got upset and to this point.

Anonymous · Answer

A few years ago?? I feel like that's a long time for something like that to still fester. Either clear the air or ignore him.

Anonymous · Answer

Talk to HR again! If they're aware that he's a problem and still don't do anything after you say something again then you might have to consult a legal professional to see what you can do.

Anonymous · Answer

I was just fired from a law firm because HR said I was not a good fit. I tried to complain to HR on one previous occasion and again on 3.31.21. The Director would not talk to me, she instead conducted the conversation via IM. After I told her I would not agree to mutually leave my job, she called to finish the conversation, but would not call prior to this per my asking. I told her that my manager informed me that the Managing Partner was a racist. I never got the chance to say anymore because after I said that, she said, I am terminating you and you will receive the letter shortly. I told her I would pursue because it was wrongful termination and she stated that I was still within my probationary period. I emailed my formal complaint and informed her that it’s one thing to be terminated within your probationary period but to retaliate by firing me after I tried to complain about my manager is illegal. The company ignored me so I’m filing a complaint with EEOC now. It’s sad that people still in this day and time have no empathy regarding a persons family life. My manager also told me that us blacks need to stick together AFTER I asked her if I should inform HR or the Managing partner that I had a pending complaint against another company regarding a coworker that called me the N word.  My dream job gone just like that and I did nothing to deserve it. The heartbreaking part was I was working from home on the day I was fired and my son was attending virtual school and overheard me crying and he came in and cried with me then asked how are we going to pay our rent? Heart wrenching and wrong on every level.

Jess Stetson · Answer

I would go to HR and tell them how I feel and ask for a mediated discussion with a neutral third party. That’s an ideal universe though. Is that a possibility? I say ideal bc I ideally this is what I would do, but I usually don’t have the guts. ?

Ariana Nunez · Answer

First of all, you sound like a very intelligent person. It sounds like you like working for this company, if not, you wouldn't have posted the topic on FGB. If you have proof of the situation, then I would definitely seek legal counsel. This way, you can at least get your apology or they can give you proper compensation for your 'pain and suffering' so to speak. One has to remember, HR isn't for the employee, they are there to protect the business or organization.

Hostile work environment

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