Experiencing harassment is challenging. When your boss is the bully it can be an incredibly debilitating situation.
The power imbalance, fear of retaliation, and concerns about career repercussions can make it difficult to know how to respond.
This post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to handle harassment from a supervisor, protect your rights, and seek a resolution.
Why Harassment from a Boss is Especially Difficult:
Harassment from a supervisor poses unique challenges compared to harassment from a coworker:
- Power Imbalance: Your supervisor has authority over your job, including performance evaluations, promotions, and potentially even your employment. This power dynamic can make it intimidating to speak up.
- Fear of Retaliation: There’s a heightened risk of retaliation when the harasser is your boss. You may worry about losing your job, being demoted, or facing other negative consequences if you report the behavior.
- Limited Reporting Options: Reporting to HR or another manager might be difficult if those individuals are close to your supervisor or if there’s a culture of silence within the company.
- Isolation: You may feel isolated and unsupported, especially if your colleagues are afraid to speak up or side with you.
Strategies for Dealing with Harassment from a Supervisor:
- Document everything: Keep meticulous records of every incident, including dates, times, specific words or actions, witnesses (if any), and how the harassment affected you.
- Seek support: Confide in a trusted colleague, friend, family member, therapist, or employee assistance program. Having someone to talk to can provide emotional support and help you develop a plan of action.
- Review company policies: Familiarize yourself with your company’s harassment policy and reporting procedures.
- Report the harassment: If you feel safe doing so, report the harassment to HR or another manager. Be prepared to provide your documentation and clearly explain the impact the harassment has had on you.
- Consider going outside the company: If internal channels are not responsive, you may need to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or your state’s fair employment practices agency.
- Consult an attorney: An employment lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and help you decide on the best course of action.
Additional Tips When Your Boss is the Bully:
- Set boundaries: If possible, try to limit your interactions with your supervisor to work-related matters. Avoid being alone with them if you feel unsafe.
- Don’t blame yourself: Remember that you are not responsible for the harassment. Your supervisor’s behavior is their responsibility.
- Prioritize your well-being: Harassment can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Take care of yourself by practicing self-care, seeking support, and considering therapy if needed.
Dealing with harassment from a supervisor is a daunting challenge, but you are not powerless. By understanding your rights, documenting the harassment, and taking appropriate action, you can protect yourself and create a healthier work environment.
ACTION: For a step-by-step plan to protect your rights, document and navigate a hostile work environment, download our guide, The Hostile Workplace Defender .
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