When Employers Behave Badly

Employers like to present themselves as pinnacles of virtue, who dutifully obey the law at all times and look after their workers. That, however, is a long way from the truth. Some companies are excellent, but many mistreat their workers, often in criminal ways. 

Take the present situation regarding furloughs across much of the western world. The law states that companies can’t ask furloughed staff to work and receive payouts from the government. Many, however, are using it as an opportunity to extract work from their colleagues while getting the government to pay the wages.

In regular life, companies find all sorts of ways to extract extra value from workers. Some firms, for instance, are famous for failing to pay the proper overtime, even though it is vital for their enterprises. Others don’t protect their workers in the way that they should to save on costs. They pay lip service to health and safety but don’t really believe it. 

Employers in some industries are worse than others. The best mining accident injury lawyers frequently come across cases in the sector. The lax standards are a legacy from the past – a time when going down the mines was one of the most dangerous occupations you could have. 

So what should you do when an employer misbehaves? Here are some of your options. 

Ask Your Manager How You Can Help Them Reach Their Goals

Managers aren’t just people who boss you around – they’re individuals with career aspirations too. It is a good idea to find out where they’re coming from and what they’re trying to achieve. Often you will find that employers misbehave when they believe that staff isn’t on their side. By asking them what’s important to them and then facilitating it, you can build trust. Your manager will come to rely on you instead of thinking that they have to do everything themselves. 

Look For Transfers

Sometimes a manager just isn’t up to the job. They don’t have the temperament or the personality for the work. Or they’re just a downright lousy person. Whatever the case, transfers are a great way to limit the damage while sending a signal to more senior managers in the company hierarchy. A high number of transfers usually means that a manager needs reassigning or demoting. 

Visit Your Boss With Your Coworkers

Colleagues believe that they’re alone, but usually, other people are going through similarly challenging situations. People power is real. A manager can pass off the complaint of a lone employee as nothing to worry about. But if a dozen show up in their office demanding change, that’s a different ball game. 

Of course, this sort of strategy is high risk, but it is also difficult for the manager. Be sure to present your case in terms that don’t breach disciplinary policy. Then there are no grounds to fire you. Concentrate on the ways that the manager has broken the company rules through their behavior and let them know that it is not acceptable.