Help i think my manager is picking on me?!?

Question

i work at next clothing store and have been doing my best to do my job properly. i get on with everyone there they have made me feel very welcome accept for one women called Gem. since i met her i got the sense she didnt like me.she hasnt got a nice aura about her and she always seems annoyed.i can understand she has a stressful job being manager, but lately shes been picking on me for little things she lets others get away with, shes very patronising to me even though i understand what im doing.today she took me out of the shop floor and had a go at me about my uniform..( i was wearing a t shirt under my top which wasnt from next) gave me a warning.i tried to explain that i had no money, i live on 300 a month which pretty much all pays for rent, food and bills but she just laughed and told me to look after my money.anyway i dont feel comfortable around her and i need it sorted.what should i do?confront her?or go to her boss?help?!

Answer 1

I agree with the other guy, unless you can't afford to switch jobs.

In which case, talk to her. And if she is still arsey, then just try and make it clear you don't take her **** but make sure you are not rude.

Answer 2

Yeah don't let her get you down sweetheart , if it gets too much have a word with her boss and tell him/her you don't come to work to put up with her c**p , power mad managers !!! , there's one in every work place , just take no notice and totaly ignore her that's the best thing to do , good luck anyway  

Answer 3

In this case I would have said to her, "Is there a manual about proper attire?  If so, please give me a copy.".  That might cool her heels.  Don't let others abuse you even if they are your boss.  If it continues, go to management.  No one should be forced to work in a hostile environment.

Answer 4

Don't rock the boat and hope she eases up on you.  If you look for another job, you'll feel better.

Answer 5

Don't let your manager belittle you.  You are employed by the company, you're not exployed by her.  She is an employee too, who is also answerable to a manager.

In these sort of situations you've got to make sure that you do everything right.  Don't give her any ammo against you - that way it will highlight the fact that she is harrassing you.  Keep a note of her behaviour - dates, times and the details of each of the issues she raises.  You can then present this information to head office (or HR) should she persist with harrassing you.

Don't let her push you out of the company.  It's best to stay and resolve this, as there are unfortunately people like this in every organisation.  

On the t-shirt issue, you can get around this by wearing items of clothing that are plain and have no logo on them.  Just remove the label and they'll have no way of knowing where you bought it from.

Check out this information: Advice leaflet - Bullying and harassment at work: guidance for employees - http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articl...

Good luck.

Answer 6

Unfortunately bad  managers have a habit of abusing their power like this. Sometimes sticking up for yourself  works sometimes it makes things worse.

If you want to try reporting her to her line manager you could try it , failing that just look for another job before it takes over your life stresses you out and makes you ill.

Answer 7

she sounds horrible, but you have named her and the company which isn't too smart.

If you have experience in Next you will be able to get a job somewhere else, and that is the best revenge (it costs them loads to advertise for and train a new employee)

Answer 8

Why not name her. Right to up to the next supervisor and the next. And then bloody the local labour authorities. The most you have to loose is a job, and as said above, under the circumstances it may be a good idea to look for another anyway.

This answer may not be popular, but as long as you are doing your best, and on a bloody low wage, she needs to be reasonably kind. People like that manager make me ill.  

Please also note: being miserable at work makes for a miserable life overall. I do wish the best, and someting more suitable be found.

Sad woman that manager is.

Answer 9

Ask her if she is intending to harrass you---because that is how you perceive her behavior.  Be very sweet and matter-of-fact, and try to smile.  Ask her how harrassment matters are typically handled at your company.  Then ask her what you did to cause her to harrass you.  Let her know that you won't tolerate her behavior because there are laws that say you don't have to.  Hear what she has to say, agree to correct any behavior that she has decided is unbecoming.  

Then run home and write down everything that has gone on and keep a little notebook with you so you can jot things down as they occur (with time and date).  You'll be armed to the teeth when you find it necessary to go over her head and complain.

Answer 10

You always get people like this in any workplace. I had the same problem with a a female manager - she was a right cow! She's obviously just enjoying being the boss and having the power to belittle people. Rise above it. Smile and nod and don't let her see she's getting to you. Easier said than done I guess. Just do the best job you can and get your money. If you really hate it, work somewhere else... Good luck. xx :)

Answer 11

When you work at a clothing store, you usually sign an agreement to only wear their clothes or clothes of a certain style.  If you cannot afford to do this, you should not take the job.  So keep that in mind when you look for another job.  I suggest that you look for another job because I believe that the work environment should be pleasant and you should enjoy doing your job.  Easier said than done I know, but since you spend about 1/3 of your life at work, don't you think you should enjoy it?