What do you do at work when you're constantly being treated very unfairly?

Question

Basically, I really wish someone would give me some feedback/advice on general, work-related etiquette. For example, my superiors have been making mistakes, but I've been taking it. (These include a supervisor making blatantly racist comments to/about me). I'm polite (usually, to a fault), and I've never had a negative work evaluation in the past; I'm a sincerely hard worker. Yet now, I'm really struggling emotionally because, not only are my superiors completely oblivious to their own mistakes/imperfections, but they compulsively point out and criticize me for any perceived mistakes/imperfections in me. And it's extreme--I'm talking about a woman literally sitting down with a notepad, making faces and scribbling furiously about my every move, during the first 4 HOURS that I worked at this company. (And no, my work is NOT surgery or rocket science; it's tutoring, believe it or not)!

Answer 1

put it in writing if you feel very strongly about it - as in the form of a formal complaint.  

You shouldn't have to deal with work-place bullying, which is what it sounds like to a degree.  Sitting down with a notepad and writing comments about someone is a bit OTT in my view.  I know tutors do get people observing them at work, but no need for her to be pulling faces!  

But list down everything that is bothering you and then put it into a complete statement and give it to your boss/supervisor, making it clear that it has got to the stage where you are considering leaving because of it (assuming you are considering that of course).

You can also list what you believe to be your good points and mention that if your superiors at work are unhappy with the way you have been doing things, then you'd appreciate a formal meeting to discuss the problems rather than snarky comments.  

That way, you should come off as being quite professional while they come off as being nasty back stabbers (which has got to be a good thing for you).

Good luck

Answer 2

I wouldn't cope with that. No job is worth that, I don't care how bad you need the money. Either leave or you tell your superiors how you are feeling in a very professional manner. Let them know that when feel mistreated and it is affecting your quality of work.

Answer 3

Racist remarks should never be tolerated.  Period.  And the person who makes such remarks must be told so in no uncertain terms.  This issue has to be addressed head on whenever it occurs, especially in the workplace.

Answer 4

If you can go over their heads, I would complain to their boss about it.  Let him or her know just how unwelcome you are made to feel there.  What you have described is blatant racial prejudice, infliction of emotional distress, and stress.  it sounds like you might want to consider talking to an attorney about it.  the racial slurs are illegal in the workplace, you might want to take a tape recorder to work with you to catch them in the act.  They are the ones who need lessons not just in etiquette, but in basic human decency.

Answer 5

Dear Shopping, I am a big fan of yours. I love reading your answers - you are SUPER intelligent! I am truly hurt that this is happening to you. I have suffered both verbal and actual physical abuse in the work place and what you are describing is blatantly horrid, racist bullying. Please don't suffer in silence as I did. You must speak out about this to whoever holds the highest position of authority. I think there will always be some idiots that will go as far as blaming others for their own mistakes. It is extreme what this woman over your shoulder is doing. Hopefully her behaviour will stop soon if this is a new job that you are in, but if not then please speak out or find a new place to work where you will be appreciated and not abused. I read the comments that mention that some sort of legal support might be possible in your situation which sounds like very good advice if things don't improve. Whatever subjects you tutor in, I wish I could be there as a pupil. I truly hope things work out OK for you. I have found out that it's far more important to work with nice people that you can trust than the actual job that you have to do, even if it means taking a pay cut. It only takes one really bad apple to make life h**l in the work place and it's not worth the suffering.

My prayers go out to you on this.

Answer 6

maybe you misunderstood the situation.  try to get clarification from the boss about what is being done.  if it is just as you say, try a new job.