How long would you put up with an office atmosphere?

[whoops]

Before saying enough is enough and jacking it all in?
I have had problems on and off for the last year with one other girl in the office and I can feel it all brewing again for a big blow out except there are now 3 of them being very cliquey together.
One of the directors is aware of it but the other (being a man) likes to shut himself away from conflict.

[LilRedWG]

Talk to your Director, explain that it is becoming a major issue for you and see what they say.

[LilRedWG]

(((whoops)))

[cornsilk]

Nightmare - women at work can be vile!
Do you want to jack it all in? If not then don't - get that director to sort it out. are you in a union?

[Fireflyfairy2]

Go see the director.

Explain how the atmosphere may mean he will have to look for a new employee.

The director who is aware of it needs to do more to stop it happening imo.

[whoops]

The Director does know as we had a chat and I have told her I am at the point of looking for another job (again!)
She says she knows what she wants to do but the other director is on holiday so she can't do it.
The problem with our Directors is that they are too soft and I can see me being offered another solution and then in 6 months time it all happening again.

[Tortington]

i wouldnt chuck my job without a fight and a payoff

i would infer bullying and get some HR advice - and show them that their company could be in a tricky position unless they pulled their socks up.

[flowerybeanbag]

whoops do you know what it is the director wants to do but can't because the other director is away? And would you be happy with that?
If the solution is there but needs to wait for someone to get back from holiday might be worth waiting? Unless v long holiday of course!

I hesitate to advise someone to leave their job, but it does sound like you feel even if a solution is found, it may happen again in 6 months; is it the case that this will keep happening while these other women are there?

Alternatively is there anything you feel the directors could do which would actually stop it for good? If so, you need to specifically say they need to do X (disciplinary procedure against these other women, or whatever other action you think will achieve what you need) or they may lose you.

Other option would be bringing a formal grievance - don't know enough to tell but this could well be bullying, and the directors have failed to satisfactorily address the situation following your informal discussions with them.

I think you really need to think about what the best end outcome would be for you - would there be any resolution that would stop it entirely - it may be that even if the individuals in question are disciplined, it may well not help the atmosphere at all, or could make it worse, certainly while the procedure is ongoing. Only you will know whether some kind of formal action will work, and as I say, if there is something you can think of which the directors could and should do, request this specifically.

Depending on how bad it is, in terms of legal action really probably your only option would be a claim for constructive dismissal on the grounds that your position has been made untenable by this situation and the failure to address it. Constructive dismissal is v v difficult to prove and stressful to bring, so I would say consider all the other options. You could however indicate to the directors that you feel your position is becoming untenable, to push them into some kind of action.

[whoops]

Flowery - She hasn't said what she would like to do and they came up with a solution bout 6 months ago for me to stay with them as I Had problems and I was offered another job and it is all starting up again so I don't know how they will solve things this time.
The funny thing is I work for a (small) firm of solicitors so surely they should know that things carrying on as they are shouldn't be allowed.
I was dreading tomorrow as the director wouldn't be in and I would be left on my own with the 3 of them

[flowerybeanbag]

Hmm, unfortunately not uncommon for those who know better, and who know possible consequences of inaction, to let things carry on anyway.

Otherwise we'd all work for solicitors

If you are dreading being alone with them, that sounds pretty serious. You do need to speak to your director again urgently and explain that you are becoming more and more stressed by the situation (true I assume?) and it is likely to affect your work and also the work of the team unless it is resolved pronto.

Try the old 'it will affect the business' line if they are not taking it seriously when you say how it is affecting you. (Wrong to have to do that but often effective).
You could tell your director that you have reached the stage where you are no longer comfortable being left alone with them. All this is true but she may not be aware that the situation is that serious unless you spell it out to her in these terms.

You could also consider going to your GP and asking to be signed off with stress. If you are feeling this anxious about being alone with these women that sounds like a fairly stressful situation and may also prompt some action if a frank conversation does not.

(Some people want to avoid being signed off with stress as they worry if they leave their job, it would go on a reference and affect a new job application. However, new employers can legitimately ask how many days off sick someone has had, but the details of why they were off is considered 'sensitive' information and cannot be disclosed without your consent. I mention this as leaving was one option you mentioned).