If you are fortunate to have a job today, then count your blessings.
A job represents stability. Billions of people around the world support themselves by going to a job every day. Without a job, many would find it difficult to provide food for their family, a roof over their head, and health insurance if they became ill.
With that being said, supervisors or bosses have a lot of power over whether an employee can provide for themselves or not.
If you are lucky, your boss is a neutral party who only judges you based on your production and work ethic. They don’t let their emotions and feelings about you personally interfere with what you do professionally.
Unfortunately, some people are not lucky. Their jobs can be battlegrounds on a daily basis. Their boss may not acknowledge their great work, but still find things to nitpick about because they just don’t like the employee for personal reasons. Be careful of these type of bosses/supervisors. They may find small reasons to fire you and due to some laws – they may get away with it!
Remember at the end of the day, your boss is your superior at work. They are not your friend. Never confused the two or you will be in over your head!
If your supervisor bullies you, buy a journal and write down everything they do towards you and fellow employees. You may also want to seek counsel from a union, attorney, or government office governing employment affairs.
Don’t shrug off small incident because they can build into larger ones.
A few things you can do to protect yourself:
-Arrive to work on time and do not leave early unless using leave.
– Do your work to the best of your ability and ask questions if you need assistance.
-Try to give advance notice if you will be using leave. Safe approval of leave.
– Keep a journal if you are being harassed on the job
– Keep good records of everything (i.e. evaluations and performance reviews, reprimands, bonuses, and emails).
– Get a copy of everything you sign.
Last but not least, human resources (HR) is in the business of protecting the employer not you. They may or may not help you without proof. However, it is best to report incidents to them to protect yourself in case anything should happen to your employment.
Disclaimer: We do not have a legal background and this is just general suggestions. You may want to seek legal advice if you are being harassed on the job.