Connecting moms in Polk County, Fla.
Bullying in the work place
Its alive and well....I need some positive imformation on dealing with this issue.
Views: 180
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Medulla Elem Mom on -
without any details I can only offer general advice -
- document everything, names of witnesses and people involved, times/ places, as much detail as possible
- if others are being bullied too try to get them to go with you to present evidence and to keep their own notes as well
- if there is any proof save it (print it, take a pic with your cell phone, etc.)
- if you can use your phone or mp3 player to record the conversations then do it - you can't use it in court but you can use to prove you are telling the truth about what happened to upper management
- if the harrassment is related to age, gender, etc (a protected class) this website gives some information that may be helpful http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/understanding-workplace-harassment-...
- think about finding a lawyer and asking for an initial consultation - it never hurts to find out what you can do to protect yourself
- do realize it is not your fault and do not let it chip at your self-esteem - it is your right to have a decent working environment
Good luck and don't give up!
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Permalink Reply by PkD on
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First: Document everything – date, time, description, any witnesses. No matter what else you decide to do, the documentation will keep your options open. Without it, your only options are to leave or just take it.
Now you have options:
- Get your resume out there and start looking for another job. Getting out of the situation is probably best for your piece of mind. Finding a job takes some time. I recommend starting now while you consider your other options in the mean time
- Take your documentation and talk to someone in your company who can help. The bully’s boss, the boss’s boss, or up the line – whoever you are comfortable talking to. Or take it to your HR department. HR should take it seriously due to legal concerns. Realistically, unless you are part of big company that can move people around, either the bully or you will end up having to leave the company.
- If you get no relief from within your company, consult an employment lawyer. There are drawbacks – involving a lawyer against your company will make it very difficult to continue working there, and may result in a bad reference. You, of course, can consult and get advice from the lawyer without your company knowing about it.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by PkD on
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Regarding "use your phone or mp3 player to record the conversations " -- Be careful with this. It is illegal in FL to audio tape someone without thier knowledge. (Oddly enough, pictures don't follow this rule.) You could get charged criminally. Of course, you could just tell the bully "I'm taping our conversations". That by itself, may be enough to change the bully's behavior
Medulla Elem Mom said:without any details I can only offer general advice -
- document everything, names of witnesses and people involved, times/ places, as much detail as possible
- if others are being bullied too try to get them to go with you to present evidence and to keep their own notes as well
- if there is any proof save it (print it, take a pic with your cell phone, etc.)
- if you can use your phone or mp3 player to record the conversations then do it - you can't use it in court but you can use to prove you are telling the truth about what happened to upper management
- if the harrassment is related to age, gender, etc (a protected class) this website gives some information that may be helpful http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/understanding-workplace-harassment-...
- think about finding a lawyer and asking for an initial consultation - it never hurts to find out what you can do to protect yourself
- do realize it is not your fault and do not let it chip at your self-esteem - it is your right to have a decent working environment
Good luck and don't give up!
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Permalink Reply by Just Jen on -
There is a small loophole in recording conversations. If the conversation is taking place in a public area where no expectation of privacy is expected, if it would be possible for others to over hear what's said then you should be able to record without announcing it to the other person.
http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/florida-recording-law
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