AIBU to think this is bullying in retail

[Nanofsix]

I don't want to go into all the ins and outs incase I out myself, as I think one of my colleagues is on MN.
I work in retail, been in my current job for 9 years, and we have a new Manageress who is making my work life unbearable.

She is constantly nit picking at me, telling me to work faster (even though I do work quickly) and says that she'll get rid of anyone who doesn't perform to her standards.

It's relentless and I dread going to work, even though I only work part time. I'm looking for other work, to no avail as of yet, and I don't know what to do in the meantime.

There's so much I could write about her, but, as I say, I don't want to out myself, and I'm at the point of just walking out.
Trouble is, I'll have no income and I feel as if I should make a formal complaint about her.
Will my complaint be taken less seriously if I either walk out or go on the sick do you think?

Have you asked to have a meeting with her and explain your feelings, that would be my first thing, then escalate.

Yes I've spoken to her on a few occasions, but she insists that she's got to 'be tough' to get results, and if people don't like it then they know where the door is

I wouldn't say it's bullying, sounds like a new manager coming in and trying to make a impression. I've worked retail for the past 14 years since I left school and we never liked a new manager coming in because we were to used to "the way things are". Ask for a meeting and air your grievances but have a look at the whole picture and ask yourself is it the manager or is it the reluctance to work in a different way

Ah in that case i would now formally escalate it.

I see what your saying, but I've worked for numerous Managers over the years, and I get that each one will want things done their way, and I respect that.

But there's a difference between making your mark on a new workplace and being so disrespectful to your staff that you make them want to leave.

It sounds as though she has confused being unpleasant with being an effective manager. I would take a very 'so what' approach. Afterall, the worst she can do is sack you and you're in 2 minds about leaving anyway. She is not a friend and you don't need to value her opinion. This way she has less of an impact on your wellbeing. Continue looking for other work and make it clear to her that her behaviour is inappropriate and having no effect on your perfectly good work ethic. She'll eventually learn that her pantomime baddie act is a waste of energy or she'll sack you. But you're prepared for that anyway, so... so what? 😊Good luck OP. Something else will come up.

It's a lot of bluster though. The painstaking work she'd have to go through to put you and colleagues all on performance improvement plans to prove you weren't meeting the standards, and then go through dismissal procedures... It takes ages.

Yes I think you just have to care less about what she says and carry on as you always have. Nod politely and ignore her bluster.

You have been there 9 years so she can’t just turn around and fire you she would have to give warnings, have meetings and set targets etc.

Are there other stores in the area you could try and transfer to?

She doesn't have the authority to just sack you. There are a lot of hoops to jump through before she is able to do that so I would absolutely not take her seriously. Do you have an HR department in your company?
If you are going to walk out, there is no point complaining as the company taking it seriously or not won't have any impact on you. I would stick it out for now, document all the interactions and then ask HR for support.

Interesting responses. Usually the advice given in these circumstances is to start noting down each interaction with her, particularly where she threatens sacking or getting rid. Of course this is bullying. Telling people they know where the door is could be seen as constructive dismissal and no you don't have to tolerate it.
As stated, start logging each incident, build your case. You have already spoken to her but it seems instead of trying to manage she has dismissed your concerns. A bad and inept manager. Do you have a union rep? How do your colleagues feel about her?

I agree with that, log any incidents and write a precis of previous ones. What are your workmates like? Is she awful to them, too? You could get them to do the same thing.

If not, would any of them back you up?

In your shoes I'd phone ACAS and ask their advice.

ACAS 0300 123 1100
https://www.acas.org.uk/advice

Is the company a chain, and if so is there an HR department outwith her orbit? Are you being singled out or are colleagues experiencing the same treatment? You should record interactions, and if others are suffering same treatment submit grievances together to add weight. It definitely sounds like harrassment and should not go unchecked. Even if you are the only one and if you are less effective than other staff she is not managing you properly so you have grounds to complain.

I agree that she can't just sack me, but she's says she'll go through the disciplinary route for people who don't perform as she wants. Then she'll have people out the door that way.

Thank you, yes she's definitely dismissive of me.

There is an HR department, I'm not sure if other people believe she's a bully or just very abrupt.

Is it one of the big four supermarkets you work for?

if so, raise a complaint with her manager if you’ve already tried to talk to her or if you’re ‘afraid’ to approach her. There are due processes.

are you in the union?

are you in the union?

Good question - if you are, ensure you speak to your representative sooner rather than later. Motivating staff and bullying them are two very different things. 🌹

Are you a union member? If so join the union, they will advise.
Keep a log of all her threats. She sounds like a bully. Does she pick on other staff members as well?

Without knowing the specifics how can anyone know if what she says is correct

Do other staff work at the speed she wants? If not are they subject to the same treatment? Is the speed set down anywhere as a required performance standard? If so are you meeting it?

You sound as if you're in the position I was 2 years ago.
I worked for a family business and my boss sounds just like yours.
I had no where to turn as she ran the company and employees we're basically scared of her.
I'd say your first step should be to speak to HR.
My advice though is leave asap. It'll bring you down otherwise.

Get into a union OP, as fast as you can, pay the monthly subscription and they'll help you right away.

In the mean time start a log of the incidents and don't ask for a meeting with her until you have a union rep with you as a witness.

Keep logging incidents as the-bad-excuse-of-a-manager is guilty of harassment and she may be attempting to manage you out of the company.

Just be very careful not to retaliate, be as pleasant with Her as much as you can, I know this is hard it's just protect your job because you have worked with the company for 9 years which is a long time and vinegar--tits will get her come-uppance. If they can see your track record is good, your case will be stronger

Hang in there and when your union rep gets into action, you'll see sparks fly, they are brilliant with cases like this.

Stay strong, you got this, your better than she is.

I'm not in a union, so I'll sort that out, thank you all.