Question: I have a very difficult working relationship with my boss. I feel under constant stress because I get repeated requests with impossible tasks or targets. Recently my boss has become even more unreasonable and has started using quite aggressive language when I have tried to explain to him that I simply cannot cope. What can I do?
Answer: You are describing a classic case of bullying in the workplace. Bullying can be defined as repeated inappropriate behaviour that undermines your right to dignity at work. Most often in a work place scenario it does not involve physical bullying but rather repeated verbal intimidation.
Bullying at work is a health and safety issue and an employer’s duty of care to look after the health and safety of employees includes the reasonable prevention of bullying. Breach of this duty may constitute a breach of the contract of employment and if not dealt with by the employer may ultimately enable an employee to claim constructive dismissal.
You should initially begin by making it very clear to your boss that you find his behaviour unacceptable and undermining. From what you say this formal approach may not resolve the issue and therefore you may need to make a formal complaint to the management. Your employer should have a policy on bullying which would clearly set out the procedures in the event of you making a formal complaint. If the bullying still continues then there are other legal options open to you and you really would need to seek legal advice in relation to those.
The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific legal advice should be sought on any particular matter.
