How to Deal with a Difficult Employer

Except for a very few people, most of us have had the displeasure of working for a difficult employer.

Bosses who are mean, who are unjust, who take advantage of their employees to do non-work related tasks, bosses who sexually harass employees, bosses who nickel and dime employees and may even short change their pay checks. Bosses who tell you to behave one way, but consistently break their own rules and set awful examples, bosses who employ their own family members and allow them to get away with (almost) murder. Bosses who boss too much, bosses who distrust, bosses who are dishonest, bosses who play favorites, bosses who break labor laws, and so on.

Remember every situation is different, how you handle yours will depend on you, local labor laws, and possibly your co-workers. If you have the displeasure of working for such an employer here are some solutions:

Know the law and understand your rights. In every country there are websites and government agencies that govern what is acceptable and what is not. Make phone calls to verify that what you believe is unfair treatment is just that.

Document everything. If you are ever fired or wish to confront your boss, having documented proof is important. These documented incidences will also help you if you have to go to the labor relations board to settle a dispute (as if you quit or are fired over a problem with your employer these documents will help you a lot).  Documenting will help you remember facts later.

Talk to your co-workers. If others feel the same way as you do, will they back you up, or are they so afraid of loosing their job they won't say anything? We all have co-workers who complain about things behind the bosses back but are brown-nosers to the boss. Some people do not have the personality to handle confrontation, and will put up with more than they should, while others are strong and able to take the risk of asking the boss for an improvement in the situation. Certainly some people with more job options might feel more capable of approaching an employer directly.

Approach the employer. Try to do so in a non-threatening manner. Be specific and stick to the points. Do not get emotional. Ideally your co-workers will stand united with you, but do not expect it. Tell the boss what you are having a problem with. Also point out to them that you hope your boss will respect you for coming forward honestly rather than sneaking around bad-mouthing them behind their back. Be specific, tell them what you want. Example: In most countries an employer cannot charge employees if the cash register is short cash when more than one person has access to it. If an employer is doing this, having a copy of the legislation against it, and point it out to your employer. Remind them gently that not only is it illegal but that people are talking outside of work and spreading negative remarks about the employers policy.

Go to the labor relations board. Most areas have a government body that will check out documented complaints against employers.

Stay and Put up with it. If your employer is not going to change you have the right to remain and put up with their crap. However if you do, you have no right to continue to complain about it.

Quit. Holding personal integrity may mean a lot more to some people than keeping a job and putting up with poor treatment from an employer. Put it in writing why you are quitting, make a photocopy for yourself, and give it to them as your formal notice. In many areas if you quit for legitimate reasons you may still qualify for employment insurance benefits, having the earlier documentation of problems will help. Usually you must make a point of stating why you left in order to qualify for benefits.

Pursue Legal Action. Generally the Labor relations board will deal with complaints, and ensure the employer will pay you what they owe you. However you may wish to consult a lawyer if you think damages are warranted. I will note that while I have done all the above myself, I have never sought further legal action against a bad employer.

Sadly many employers abuse their employees simply because they think they can. They think the employee will never leave them, and if they do, they are replaceable. While true to some level, if more employees took the stand and refused to accept poor treatment, wouldn't things be better for all of us?