Leticia from Berwyn, Illinois, wrote to Newsweek expressing her discomfort with the treatment she receives from her manager at work. She feels that he often gives her dirty looks, yells at her when he needs something, and hardly speaks to her in a respectful manner. Despite reporting the behavior to HR, no action has been taken, leaving her considering leaving her job due to the negative environment. In response, HR expert David Rice advises Leticia to document every negative experience she has with her manager and report it to HR. If nothing is done, it may be a systemic issue related to poor company culture. He suggests that if all options are exhausted and no change occurs, it may be best for Leticia to move on to an organization where her work is valued and she is treated with respect.
Jenna Rogers, founder of Career Civility, offers Leticia three options for handling her situation with her manager. The first option is to try to improve the working relationship, the second is to put her head down and control what she can, and the third is to remove herself from the situation and seek different job opportunities. Each option requires effort, and it is up to Leticia to decide where she wants to spend her energy. Rogers suggests implementing de-escalation tactics when communicating with the manager, such as acknowledging the manager’s feelings and then transitioning to discuss work-related matters. Ultimately, if Leticia decides to remove herself from the toxic situation, Rogers supports her decision to prioritize her well-being and seek a workplace where she feels safe and respected.
The letter to Newsweek highlights the challenges employees face in dealing with hostile work environments and unprofessional behavior from superiors. It underscores the importance of HR and management in creating positive workplace cultures where employees can thrive and do their best work. When HR fails to address issues of mistreatment and disrespect, it may be a sign of deeper organizational problems that require systemic change. Experts advise employees to advocate for themselves, document negative experiences, and consider leaving toxic environments in pursuit of healthier work environments where they are valued and respected.
Newsweek’s “What Should I Do?” section offers expert advice to readers facing personal dilemmas in areas such as relationships, family, friends, money, and work. Readers can submit their stories to [email protected] to receive advice from professionals and potentially have their stories featured in Newsweek. The platform aims to provide guidance and support to individuals navigating difficult situations, offering solutions and insights to help them make informed decisions and improve their overall well-being. By addressing readers’ concerns and offering expert perspectives, Newsweek seeks to empower individuals to take action and seek positive outcomes in challenging circumstances.
