Is this a grievance issue?

[itsgoodtobehome]

I have been having ongoing issues with my boss for a few months now. I have been feeling increasingly undermined, micro managed and generally disempowered. It has made me miserable and anxious about a job I had previously loved.

It all came to a head yesterday when she ended up yelling at me in a really agressive manner as she disagreed with a decision I had made that fell well within my remit. The meeting ended with me shaking and in tears and I have made the decision that I need to leave the job for my own sanity.

My question is, is this grievance worthy? I feel like I have been bullied out of a job I loved, and I am too scared and anxious to face her at the moment and have not been into the office since it happened. Part of me feels that if I am feeling this way, then yes it is a grievance. The other part of me thinks people will just say it's a clash of personalities and a disagreement and I should just get over it. I would like some advice before I make a decision as to what to.

YABU - this is not a grievance and you just need to get over it
YANBU - this absolutely is a grievance issue and you should raise it

Sounds like it is. How long have you been employed there?

Keep a diary, contact acas and speak to an employment lawyer asap. You shouldn't be forced to resign!!

How long have you worked there?

Just over 3 years.

It is perfectly possible to robustly disagree with your manager and for them to treat you with respect and be professional.

Being shouted at is unacceptable at work and I would also.

My boss and I disagree fairly frequently. No tears ever.

Honestly, walk away with your head held high.

Proving this will be incredibly difficult.

It sounds like some ongoing issues. Yelling at people and undermining them to the point they feel they need to leave their job is the epitome of a grievance. Tell HR/ manager above her.
If they kept you away from eachother and she was disciplined hopefully you'd still wish to work there? If you feel it's a her or you situation you should probably look elsewhere. But still raise the bullying/ conduct issue.

Been there 3 years, you are well protected. Take some legal advice and raise a grievance. Would you like an employment lawyer recommendation?

Almost certainly yes, but it depends on the culture of the place. Is there often yelling?

I've never heard raised voices in my workplace in the ten years I've been there, that would be a massive deal. While my friend tells me it's common in hers, so it would be water off a ducks back for her.

Head of HR here. We would take that very seriously as a grievance. Your manager should not be shouting at you

Witnesses would be helpful though otherwise your manager will deny it and HR will have no way of knowing who is telling the truth

Thank you. This is what I am worried about. It was a Teams call, so no witnesses. My husband witnessed it as he happened to be at home and heard it, but I doubt they would count him as a credible witness. I don't know if there was anyone in the office at her end that may have heard, or even if they did, if they would speak up.

Just to complicate things, she is the CEO, so difficult to go any higher, other than the Board.

Yes please.

Have you tried to resolve informally? Most grievance processes have an informal stage what does yours say?

What would you be looking to achieve from a grievance? First question you'll probably be asked so think about that now, would mediation be appropriate?
Given she's the MD I'd be going into any discussion trying to find a way forward go in now with grievances or talking about employment lawyers starts from a position of conflict which will only cause more stress.

Two lawyers I can recommend are

Christine Gannon
Associate Solicitor | Employment Law Team



T: 01273 609911 (Brighton)
F: 01273 609944
Head Office: 9 Marlborough Place, Brighton, BN1 1UBB_
W: www.ms-solicitors.co.ukk_

Christianne Silverwood

West Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Email: [email protected]uk*_
Mobile: 07887 400 413
Direct Dial: 020 3701 7537
Main Office: 020 3701 7530