Workplace abuse is workplace abuse.

Anonymous

July 31,2023 at 1:29AM UTC

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Workplace abuse is workplace abuse. This is going to be short but it's something that means everything to me. As a woman who has been both sexually harassed and racially discriminated against in the workplace, I can say that the impact of BOTH was EQUALLY horrific. If you work in a HR, NEVER tell a female victim of workplace abuse "we support our managers" who are accused of that abuse - especially when admit you have not done due diligence on the allegations. What you are really saying to that employee is, "I don't care about you or your pain. It's YOUR problem."

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AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 2:14AM UTC
HR is there to protect the company, not you. They will protect their managers at all costs. That being said, I am very sorry you have been treated that way. I have been there, it’s terrible and you don’t deserve it. Please believe that you deserve better.
AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 12:51PM UTC
Agree 100%, as this happened to me and HR was not an ally by any means.
AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 2:46AM UTC
That’s why I haven’t spoken up about the sexual harassment I deal with at work.
The HR person is just as bad as the ones who constantly discuss sex stuff at work
AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 11:13AM UTC
I respectfully disagree with a responder's pov, HR are people and 'don't protect their managers at all costs', if they are true people first leaders. THAT HR rep is not putting the Human in HR, don't generalize. That was a horrible experience for sure. They should have not said that but to stay neutral while fact finding conversations are being had. We cannot tell someone else how they feel, perceptions matter. I am hoping that this is going on for you and it's been fair. What was said should not have been part of the conversation at all. It may take time for that to complete, it may make you feel nothing is happening. When they return with their findings be prepared for both scenarios of actions. Protect yourself. Hang in there.
AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 1:31PM UTC
It took me a long time to recover from this as well. What I want to say is that it taught me to use companies before they use me. It also lets you see through feigned niceties. They cannot legally say sorry to you or empathize with you otherwise you could use that in a lawsuit. They are there to protect the company. They tend to remain neutral and uphold silence. I recommend working for women dominant and POC dominant companies moving forward. You'll still have politics and other issues, but it won't be as awful in my experience.
AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 2:46AM UTC
I am so so sorry you had to deal with that in the workplace.
AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 12:29PM UTC
Here is an excerpt from an HR rep that I worked with at my job. It's on her linked in profile.
"Conduct advance investigations and minimize legal risk to the organization"
In my situation, she skirted the issues at hand, to avoid legal accountability, told me everything I reported was "unfounded" which was expected.
She started right off the bat with making a statement to me of "Oh so you think everyone is out to get you?" She did everything to discourage me from reporting it higher and even avoided giving me the Ethics email when I asked if I could send an email with what I was experience. HR are being paid by the employer to do this. They have sold their souls.. Do not believe that they are there to help you. The only thing they are good for is, a step in your complaint that you put them on notice that it was happening, and gave them an opportunity to resolve it. If they do what was done to me, they make your case stronger.
AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 3:16PM UTC
I am so sorry this has been your experience but not every HR is like this. Like every profession, unfortunately there are some bad ones that cast a negative light on everyone else.
Valerie RiegerAugust 1,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
I don't even have words. I am so sorry that you experienced abuse and harassment at work. Shame on your HR person for failing to do the right thing - provide support for you, investigate your issues, and then act on the facts presented. This makes my heart hurt. I pray that you receive the support and assistance that you need.
AnonymousAugust 5,2023 at 6:20PM UTC
Thank you. I have worked in places with excellent HR. And by excellent hr, I mean professionals who truly independently looked at situations and even more, truly try to find fair and balanced solutions for everyone involved. It doesn't seem that HR professionals are either trained or allowed to work that way a lot these days.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKAugust 1,2023 at 2:38PM UTC
I hate that this is still happening in the 21st century. I'm so sorry.
AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 5:43PM UTC
I completely agree, a good HR person would listen and check both sides of the story and if need be bring legal into the discussion or a 3rd party to do a full investigation. It's not just the right thing to do its the legal thing to do.
Unless injustice is spoken up about it cannot stop and this BS will remain in our society. Definitely keep speaking up!
AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 9:12PM UTC
My Hr is just as bad as the ones who constantly talk about their disgusting sex lifestyles. If the owners knew the stuff that went on where I work they would be livid.
AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 2:44PM UTC
HR is for the company, period. Unless something were to happen to them nothing will happen.
AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 3:14PM UTC
The employees are the company.
cliffAugust 3,2023 at 12:31PM UTC
it sounds like you work at Mass General-Brigham Hospital, their HR always sides with the bully. Employees are always 100% wrong. Employees had to go into therapy, had heart attacks and were rushed to the ER are for anxiety attacks caused by one billing manager. Maybe these videos will help you understand that its not you, its them...https://youtu.be/tvPqSn-W7QY
and https://youtu.be/dOTb1mqDdVQ
AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 2:36PM UTC
As a native Bostonian, I’m very sad to learn about this. Both hospitals are widely known and have respected histories. The Brigham was originally established to provide care to women.
Workplace abuse, to use OP’s term, has no place at either organization.
AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 2:25PM UTC
OP, your coining of the term “workplace abuse” is brilliant. Kudos!
Workplace abuse says it all. Far more accurate and descriptive of the pain inflicted than harassment or discrimination.
Changing the wording as you have done, OP, is a great advance toward fixing the problem. Thank you!
Shaundra GunkelAugust 3,2023 at 4:37PM UTC
I too was a victim of workplace abuse, verbal, sexual and mental. It was the worse experience of my life, I had to bait for a manager so the hire ups could investigate him. He was eventually let go, but there was no outreach to all of us women he abused. It was very hush hush and once it was over, it was never to be discussed again. Employers need to really listen to their employees and try to create a safe workspace for everyone.
AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 7:03PM UTC
At least it wasn't you who were fired... Many of us have lost our jobs following months of gaslighting, bullying, false write-ups and harassment. All for speaking up.
Shaundra GunkelAugust 4,2023 at 3:30PM UTC
They fired me a few weeks later, after a customer attacked me, and even though I didn't fight back and tried to restrain her, i was told it was considered fighting on the job. So, im sure they were looking for a reason the whole time.
AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 6:14PM UTC
Oh no ... Or you were set up. Just awful...
AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 6:30PM UTC
Wow, someone in HR told the truth? Amazing!
cliffAugust 4,2023 at 6:33PM UTC
if you experience any type of abuse or harassment of any kind...file a complaint with MCAD ASAP, if you are fired during a MCAD investigation that will be considered retaliation https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-against-discrimination
From 2017 to 2022 employees OVER THE AGE OF 60 at MASS GENERAL BRIGHAM were harassed, bullied or bogus performances reviews were set up in order to force the employee to quit or were fired. I was fired while on medical leave. I was 68 at the time. MASS GENERAL is not has inclusive and liberal as they would like you to believe. I was told to double bill medical insurance claims...I professionally explained to my manger why it was unethical and illegal. Her narcissistic personality kicked in and that was the beginning of the harassment and micromanaging.
AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 6:55PM UTC
I am extremely sorry to read about this.If you happen to have any documentation of improper billing to Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal program, you might want to retain an attorney who deals in whistleblower claims. Under the federal False Claims Act, the U.S. government will share with the whistleblower any sums recovered as a result of the whistleblower complaint. In your case, you would receive a portion of any funds repaid by Mass General to the federal government.If you’d like to contact a lawyer, do an Internet search under: qui tam, whistleblower lawyer, False Claims Act lawyer.