To feel like I'm being bullied at work

[Annalouise1201]

Where I live there is a very strong regional accent.

I have traces of it but mine is quite mild, partly because my Dad wasn't local and my Mum was something of a 'hyacinth bouquet'. People from outside the area can usually tell where I'm from, though.

At any rate. My voice is opening me up to some very harsh criticism at work. I've been told 'your voice does my fucking head in' and mimicked really unpleasantly. I keep getting told I'm 'posh' which is a joke as I'm not at all.

To be honest it's getting me down, I want to leave.

But is it unreasonable to leave over this? I feel like I'm in the school playground, really weak and disempowered.

[TheHouseOnBellSt]

What sort of work is it? You need to speak to HR immediately...put in a complaint.

[laffymeal]

Your colleagues sound incredibly rude and immature. Do you like the job otherwise and can you talk to your line manager/HR about it?

I've suffered workplace bullying and it's horrible, I would never advocate sticking in a job that was making you miserable.

[Annalouise1201]

Unfortunately it's (some) service users, not my colleagues - should have made that clear sorry.

But then my colleagues naturally have a better rapport with those service users and it gets lorded over me quite unpleasantly.

I know it sounds stupid.

[madmother1]

I work with a lady with a "northern" accent and it does grate, but I would never ever say anything. I'm sure my "London" accent annoys her

[Annalouise1201]

It's quite upsetting actually.

[Marylou2]

Sorry you're going through this. No one should be making personal remarks about you and swearing at you as you go about your business. I imagine that as you reference 'service users' that you are trying to help people in some type of public sector role so their behaviour is hugely inappropriate. Can you speak to HR and have your concerns put on record. You need their support to say that any verbal abuse will not be tolerated. Your colleagues sound as though they would benefit from a stern reminder from HR about how bullying in the workplace is a disciplinary offence. Good luck to you.

[Annalouise1201]

We don't have HR as far as I know. It's just stupid as there's nothing I can prove with my colleagues, they just sort of sweep in with a general 'it's ok, we will deal with this properly' air!

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

You feel like you're being bullied because you are being. Due to how you speak. That is abuse, and to be challenged and stopped. You're in work to earn a living not to be abused for being who you are. How fucking dare they!!!!!.
If you spoke for example with a strong African or Asian accent. And were taunted, to the to the point were you were afraid to speak because that is what it will lead to. I mean if every time. I opened my mouth. People said . Your voice is doing my head in. I would weary of speaking.
Your colleague would be dismissed on the spot for racial abuse so why is reginal abuse any different.
Straight to HR Monday morning. Be firm assertive and strong and bold and make it clear. You do not have and will not put up with any more abuse. And what is going to be put in place to stop it. And if your work colleagues get into trouble. Tough. They should have thought of that before making your work life a misery.
Fucking despise bullies.

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

Oh it's your service users. I do apologise for demonising your colleagues.
Speak to HR in any case to see what they can do. No one should be upset going to work

[GhoulWithADragonTattoo]

Speak to your manager and tell them how upsetting you find the comments. Then you need to devise a plan for what you'll do if service users are rude to you. Your manager has a responsibility to stop you being treated rudely by the users of the business.

[IamtheDevilsAvocado]

Are these service users average intelligence adults?

[Tryharder]

You need to discuss this with your manager. And agree a plan of action to deal with anyone that swears at you or is overly hostile I,e they are not dealt with or asked to leave the premises

[Minisoksmakehardwork]

Your colleagues might not be bullying you. But they are complicit with the service users actions by not challenging the behaviour on your behalf.

Speak to your manager. Agree a plan of action, which must include your colleagues backing you, not dismissing the issue and sorting out the service user.