The Daily Smile

I need help. I'm HR for a company owned by two brothers, one of them has significant mental health challenges. I have received multiple complaints from employees about the owner's erratic behavior, yelling, abusive comments, and impulsive actions (latest was writing rules on the wall and door of a common area with a permanent marker). One complaint labeled it as hostile work environment, but so far these behaviors are not targeting a protected class, just very demoralizing and uncomfortable. The latest I heard today was the owner told the employees they are to only use the old, dirty restrooms (while there is a recently remodeled one in the breakroom.

Seeking advice for dealing with a toxic manager and his employee who report to me. Six months ago, my executive director asked me to take on a new small team. She asked that I focus on documenting what they do and try to eliminate non value-add activities (a company initiative). I have spent the last six months trying to better understand what they do. Every question I ask is taken as an accusation. Every suggestion I make is met with resistance or sarcasm. Every meeting with this manager turns into a gripe session and loads of time wasted on talking about the past (pre-merger with another co) and how things were perfect but now so terrible. He and his employee bash the company constantly and point fingers but never take accountability. They refuse to include me in meetings and I often find out issues second hand.

What advice do you wish someone gave you?

When you're so important that you are late for everything!

Hi Everyone. Looking for some advice.

Seriously?