New job woes.

[Smokemeakipper42]

Hello everyone,

Been in my new job for going on three months now.

In a lot of ways it has been great.I have progressed well in the role without needing much training due to having quite a bit of prior experience.

The management have seen that and have decided to field me out to different departments so I can learn what everyone does with the idea that I could be a good all rounder and could fill in in times on need.This wouldn’t detract from my own role but would just allow me to help out on the odd occasion.

So to the problem....
My immediate team who at the start were friendly enough have become decidedly cooler with me.
If I ask a question, they roll their eyes or worse get defensive as if I am questioning the way they do things.
They make a point of making drinks for everyone,excluding me and attempts at conversation just get one word answers.

I think the thing that makes it worse is that the HR Manager is best buddies with them all.When another colleague put in a complaint about the team she was repeating it all to them and having a good old laugh about it.

I’m not sure what to do really.
I love the work but not sure how to handle the politics of the office.

If anyone else has been in a similar situation I would really appreciate any advice.

Hallo Op, it sounds like a really toxic situation within this team. Just to clarify: are these your direct reports?

It sounds like it could potentially be bullying (and it is perfectly possible to have 'upwards' bullying). And yes things like making drinks for everyone except you potentially qualifies as bullying where the intention is clearly to exclude and show hostility towards you.

What are the dynamics of the team & do you feel that there are ringleaders involved? I suggest that you keep a note of all instances of this kind whenever they occur.

Do you know how your predecessor was & reasons why s/he left? It is possible that the team have form for this &/or they are being pulled up on work issues in a way that didn't happen previously. It sounds like you are really progressing in your role so maybe there is an element of jealousy?

I suggest that you are clear about what you expect from your team & communicate to them; you don't have to be the best of friends but they do need to be civil and do anything reasonable that is asked of them.

BTW the HR Manager sounds worse than useless; really unprofessional! She should know better than to share details of a complaint with, that kind of information should be strictly confidential.

Please don't feel bad about this in any way as this is not your fault. Make sure you ask your manager for advice if the problem persists; they clearly think well of you. You could also consider reporting the HR manager for her breach of confidentiality although that's up to you.

Thank you for the response Living.

The team I am in don’t report to me.I came from a management role to an Administration role so I could go part time and do away with the stress..ha,ha!

It’s a brand new role so wasn’t filling anyone’s boots.I think they just needed someone to come in and take the stress off an overloaded work force.

I don’t think there is a ringleader as such but just an overall feeling that I am not welcome.

I don’t understand it at all,I am there to make their life easier and they all seem to hate me 😞

Hallo Op, I am so sorry you are going through this.

There may be some jealousy going on here, as it seems you have been successful in your role & are getting the opportunity to expand and work in other departments…..just speculating though. Regardless, none of this is your fault & if they feel aggrieved they should be taking it up with their manager, not making you suffer.

It sounds like bullying which is unacceptable in the workplace, does the company have an anti bullying policy?

I think you should keep records of any incidents e.g. document every time they make drinks for everyone but you, keep any emails, notes of conversations etc. Even incidents that seem trivial in themselves add up to bullying if there is a pattern to them, keeping consistent records will show this. It sounds like really pathetic juvenile behaviour that has no place at work.

Your employer has a duty of care to look after your wellbeing so I would suggest you maybe have a chat with your manager and let him/her know your concerns. A competent manager should know how to handle this appropriately & they clearly value you. Don't feel you have to suffer in silence over this.