HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Anne McAllister
Member - 115 posts

I think all workplaces have the potential to become hostile environments.
Thank fully most are not.
The answer is to manage effectively.
Deal with situations timeously and professionally.
Communicate clearly.
Clarify what procedures are in place for conflict resolution and stick to them, making it clear that disciplinary procedures will be enacted.
Treat all staff with dignity and respect
If this doesnt work........fire the swines LOL

rose gallagher
Member - 3 posts

thanks Anne unforatunately I am not in the position to fire, but wow if only....

someone somewhere
Member - 18 posts

Is the hostility directed at you?

Anne McAllister
Member - 115 posts

Yes, as someone somewhere has asked maybe if you give more details someone on here can advise you. Maybe hostile is being used as another word for bullying or harrassment ?
Managers can be targets too.

Tami K
Member - 2 posts

I was in this position for a year at my last workplace and actually found that managerial intervention made things worse. It was like schoolyard bullies being told to stop by the teacher, putting on a fake smile / apology in front of her, then starting again a few weeks later.

I was advised to follow the statutory grievance procedure, but that would have made things even more awkward, so I ended up resigning and taking a new job. Not exactly a dream for employment lawyers, but I was much happier as a result.

It all depends on how much you like it there / how much it means to you. Is it your dream job or just a stepping stone? If the former, then use the grievance procedure as a means of getting redeployed to another team. If the latter, then there is no shame in leaving and finding something better (which, incidentally, is the best revenge).

Carole Simmons
Member - 48 posts

Peer jealousy and the effect can have devastating results especially when it is underhand, deceitful and orchestrated. As Anne says people forget that it is just not employer employee relations that can have problems and when it does involve somebody at a senior level who knows and understands full well the consequences of their actions, it is very difficult to deal with.

David Wooldridge
Member - 13 posts

Any Company or organization has various forms of 'policy' to deal with bullying, & many play 'lip service' in pretending to deal with the problem.
However, in real life, and having worked in both Engineering & Banking Corporates, I can truly report that, in my own experience, and as a former manager, the bullying & other subtle tactics often come down from 'senior levels' & therefore' they' have the power to hit you financially unless you shut up!
It is commonly known as 'encouragement ' to be a 'team player'.

For anyone who has suffered bullying at school, then they'll understand that in the workplace it's no different & you'll find it in every part of society, at school, in the street, & prison or workplace etc.
I doubt if many cases ever reach major publicity or really get resolved.
The trouble is, there's always someone, or bigger company than yours that can exert various pressure to make you do what they want.
On the bigger issue try a world war or two-- & international domination or Politics------see what I mean!!