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When your boss reprimands you for something that wasn’t your fault. When a coworker makes a critical comment about something you already feel bad about. And when customers and clients decide to take their frustration out on you, and there’s not much you can do but try to be patient.
These are all unfair things that happen, but what about when something genuinely harmful – or even illegal – occurs when you’re at work? What can you do? Here are the first few steps to walk through.
Get it in writing
If something has happened that you’re really not sure about – or you know is murky in the realm of employment law at best – try to document it. The more evidence you can collect, the easier it’ll be to prove wrongdoing.
If you’ve been asked to work for longer than you should and have been retaliated against for refusing, save all messages and emails you’ve received about it.
While you’re at it, double-check the legal working hours in your industry/sector, like how many hours per day can a truck driver drive, or how long a rest period you’re allowed in between shifts. After all, when it comes to legal hours, your supervisor may have overstepped in more than one area
Similarly, if a manager has made a discriminatory decision, get their reason for doing so in writing. When it’s down on paper (or on a screen), and it isn’t just ‘hearsay’, you can prepare a case that can go all the way to tribunal if necessary.
Talk to HR
HR is the first place to go with your workplace problem. If someone has acted unfairly towards you, both in day-to-day situations and in cases where your long-term career has been put in jeopardy, HR needs to know about it.
If your workplace doesn’t have an HR department, approach a senior role that’s still underneath the boss and go from there. This was,y you can make the issue known, as well as your feelings and needs around it, and provide your employer with the chance to act.
And whatever happens next, whether positive or negative, you have a paper trail that’ll work in your favor.
Work with a lawyer
After the steps above are complete, it’s time to get yourself some legal representation that specializes in employment law.
Not only can they coach you through the issues and their likely outcomes, but they can also act as the go-between when you’re in a serious dispute with your employer – or ex-employer.
This can lessen the stress of the situation by preventing you from needing to deal with them directly. You can also act as professionally and carefully as possible, without worrying that you might be putting a foot wrong yourself.
Unfair treatment should never just be dismissed. Get evidence, talk to HR, and don’t be afraid to contact a lawyer.
