Online working

[magma32]

Hi everyone,
I could be completely paranoid, but wanted some advice. I work from home entirely online, have been doing this over year, great team, not had any issues.

my previous line manager has changed jobs within the company so someone new has come in. I am pregnant and will be going on Mat leave but I have not had any introduction with this new person, instead I received an email from her first thing Monday morning about a mistake I made, it isn’t a big deal, I don’t think it warranted this type of email, came across unfriendly and set off my anxiety before the day/week even started. When I replied to ask for clarification on something closely related i did not receive any response. It’s been a few days. I very rarely make mistakes but if I do, its a basic admin error and it’s normally addressed in a nice way which is what I like about this place and my previous line manager. My previous line manager and others have said good things about me and I was given a pay rise last month. However, I’m not sure if this new person is here to change the culture of the place or on some kind of power trip and has decided she doesn’t like me. I don’t know. I’m not sure how to tell her about my Mat leave but I’m assuming she already knows, which worries me that she might be trying to get me out. I know it sounds paranoid but she seems like quite a negative person judging by the type of emails she sends to the whole department. I’m already worried about going on maternity leave but now I’m worried about having someone like her to answer to. I’m wondering if there is a union i can join in case it does turn into something but obviously want to join a union before anything happens but as I’m working entirely online not sure how it works. The company is based in the U.K. many thanks

@magma32

why not reach out and introduce yourself and set a time to talk etc

what does she need frô you etc

Thanks for replying. I was actually going to do that, introduce myself, let her know I’m the pregnant one etc we have staff meetings so I know the new expectations etc and I’m following them but then got this email and it really bothered me and put me off, but I do want a job to get back to so I probably should suck it up but do you know anything about joining unions for online working? I have a bad feeling and want to make sure I have some support if something does happen.

I’d reach out and talk to her , see how that’s goes , and take it from there. Email is not always a good method of communicating, particularly with someone who you don’t know

Thank you,
coming back to my question, is there a union I can join for online working?

As another said email not a great way of coms, especially first thing.

Ideally, a good manger should have spoken to you first ie intro self but as another stated take the initiative.

No one likes to be pulled up for the mistake

Re "poer trip" you may be right as most newcomers are on that and at times, the not so experienced and weak mangers/supvs will have listened to the office croonie and built of a negative pic of you all be it a false one

So intro self, don't mention the email let it slip and if the manager is any good they'd bring it up themselves by saying something like 'i was going to ring first but was snowed under and had to email you, sorry about that...."

You can tell her that she can always call you if she wants to discuss anything etc.

Hope that works

Anyone can join a union, online or not, and it doesn't matter if your organisation recognises one or not.

Thank you both, I will look into a union as I’m feeling quite vulnerable now as I don’t really know what her intentions are and don’t want to take any chances.

Idea!
If you have a trusted 100% trusted workmate, pick their brains ie what they think have they had an interaction. Joining a union is no bad thing and hopefully, you never need them but when the day comes, you hopefully have someone helping you. Good luck