Face doesn't fit

[WorkWorries13]

Hi all, have name changed as don't want to be outed.

I started a new job recently and was taken to one side by my manager last week and basically told unless I start talking to my colleagues more then I'm going to be let go.

She said I'm doing my job wonderfully and that she can't fault it however as it's such a small office then we all have to get on.

There is one particular woman who has taken a real dislike to me and is the self appointed deputy.

I decided to keep myself to myself but again this isn't good enough and I need to interact more.

My question is can they fire me for not fitting in?

The thing is team work is important in a small office environment. A harmonious atmosphere. Clearly the op is not integrating. It may be the others fault, it may be hers, or it may be a mix of both.

The managers performance isn't really relevant, she's not the one under probabtion ot about to lose their job. The op is.

If you can't fake it till you make it op, then rightly or wrongly they will probably cut you loose. If you want to keep the job, then make some more effort until you get past probation at least.

Is it worth having an informal conversation with your manager where you address it head-on?

Tell them what you've said here about loving the job.

Remind them that the job requires 100% concentration and emphasise that you don't make mistakes.

Remind her (nicely) that you do say good morning to everyone and ask about their weekend, and are generally courteous and pleasant.

Say that your style at work is to be friendly in a professional way but to get on with the job and give it your full energy and concentration.

Really emphasise that you are keen to do the job well.

Just a little update...

So another position came up at a site 40 minutes away so I applied and got the job! Am very happy but I still feel upset that I'm giving up a job I enjoy as the women are cowbags.

It just so happens that this is a managers position too so will be above these women when their manager is off so they're suddenly being very nice thank you everyone for your input it was very helpful

Are you in England? Check the ACAS dismissal process. My understanding is that the employer must follow a formal notification process, they must lay out their justification and allow you the time and support to make the changes they are asking for. Even if you are still within your probation period you have rights

Not necessarily. A lot of employers have a provision in their policies that they can dispense with following a formal process within the first 2 years. Even if they don’t, there’s still very little (if anything) the employee can do, assuming that they haven’t been unlawfully discriminated against or dismissed for an automatically unfair reason (neither seem applicable here going on what OP has said)

Congrats OP

They can fire you quite easily before the 2 year mark, with some notable exceptions such as discrimination.

Where I work, anyone they don't like they will find some way of fitting it to the 'company values' eg if you don't get on with your colleagues you will be marked down on 'teamwork' and yes this will actually be seen as a valid reason to dismiss you in probation.

Congratulations to you op, you deserve it.

It just so happens that this is a managers position too so will be above these women when their manager is off so they're suddenly being very nice

Ha! Revenge is a dish best served cold. Well done OP

OP I was so pleased to read your update. It just shows how shallow those women are........

I hate making unnecessary small talk at work too. I like to keep work and home separate. I want to go into work, do my job and then just go home.

Result !

so they're suddenly being very nice

Yeah weird huh?

Congratulations.