Five Job-Saving Steps To Take When You Are Mistreated By A Supervisor Or Manager At Work

If you are being mistreated at your place of work by a supervisor or other member of management, it is important to understand how to react properly. A poor response can be costly; you may even lose your job. However, a wise response can help see you through to a fair and proper resolution; that's why it is important to know what to do if you are being accused of wrongdoing or facing other mistreatment. Below are some specific actions to take in response:

Take control of your emotions

Though it's tempting to become angry when facing employee mistreatment, your best response is to keep calm. Threats and insults will only lead to a bad end for your situation. If you are angry, step away from the situation and request time alone to defuse. In addition, if you are on the receiving end of an angry tirade, do everything in your power to get away from it. Don't allow yourself to be "baited" into a heated confrontation that might hurt your cause.

Keep it to yourself

Another temptation when faced with an unfair situation is to share your injustice with coworkers. While many of them are undoubtedly trustworthy and supportive, you may be surprised at how conversations can work their way around to your management. In addition, some coworkers may use your words against you, especially if your situation results in a hearing or other forum requiring testimony. The perception of you as an office gossip, true or not, can only harm you as you seek a favorable resolution for yourself

Write down everything

Though you may believe you can recall all the conversations and actions taking place, you shouldn't trust your memory alone. Research has demonstrated that stressful situations reduce short-term memory capacity, and you may discover that you have forgotten important facts. Whenever you are faced with an injustice at work, here are the things you should specifically write down:

• Not only what happened during the situation, but also that which preceded and followed it
• Conversations you had with anyone regarding the situation
• Full names, as well as contact information, of individuals that you spoke with regarding your circumstances
• Specific quotes, as much as possible
• Promises or threats issued to you
• The time, date and location of conversations
• The names of witnesses involved or who may have been privy to the activities surrounding the situation
• Your feelings and thoughts about the situation

In addition, avoid phone conversations that deal with the circumstances surrounding the accusations. Keep conversations on a written level through official employee email and via letter, if necessary.

Insist on a witness to conversations

If your supervisor or anyone representing the interests of the company would like to discuss the matter with you, it is important for you to insist upon bringing a witness to the discussion. Never allow yourself to be in a conversation alone with a supervisor or other representative who may be hostile to your position. You may bring an attorney, union representative or even a family member to conversations, but it is important that someone be able to witness what said and done.

Know your rights

You have been granted several important legal rights under provincial and federal law, and you should know them when involved in an employment dispute or controversy. Your union representative can help you better understand those rights, and employment attorneys are also able to assist you. If you don't have union membership, contact the provincial labour law authority for help. For most Canadians, the provinces have jurisdiction over employment and labour law and are your first point of contact.