For most people, their “day job“ is an unavoidable part of life. We all need to have a roof over our heads, put food on our tables, and pay taxes—all of which require an income. Even if you don’t love your job, your workplace shouldn’t subject you to hostility, be it openly or subtly.
If you’re being treated unfairly at work, you have options. Additionally, just as importantly, you have rights as an employee that support your need for equitable treatment at work.
Understand your legal rights.
Unfair treatment comes in many forms, from nepotism to narcissism. When that mistreatment becomes unlawful, though, there are legal ramifications for the employer in question. Abuses such as discrimination, harassment, or defamation can all fall under the category of employment law.
Sometimes, though, your case might not be so clear-cut. In those instances, talking to an experienced attorney like those at Perkins law firm is vital. With their legal advice, you can determine whether a lawsuit or other sort of litigation is in order. Just as importantly—you can get the justice you deserve.
Decide if this is where you want to be.
Depending on the circumstances, you may prefer to distance yourself from an unjust workplace as soon as possible. In cases of employer misconduct, the idea of not “burning bridges” becomes a less important one. If you decide you’d like to make a career change, career counseling can help you explore your personality traits and strengths as an employee. From there, your professional counselor can offer the career guidance you need to step into a new career in a new workplace, far from the mistreatment you’ve faced in your current role.
Work towards your career goals.
If you determine you’d rather stay on your current career path with your current company, one of the best steps you can take is to work towards your career goals. Success might come in many forms—you may decide to learn a new skill that will help you stand out in the future or focus on career development work to be the best employee possible.
They say that the best revenge is living well and, to some degree, the same can be said of workplace misconduct—if you want to stick to your existing career plans, the best way to overcome unfair treatment is to thrive in your career.
Prioritize your mental health.
Whatever the circumstances of your unfair workplace, there’s a strong chance this situation has affected you on an emotional or psychological level. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (or CCOHS), for example, acknowledges the varied influence of workplace stress. Some sorts of workplace stress are to be expected, such as the pressure of meeting a deadline. Even then—and all the more so where severe workplace stress is concerned—you may need more than the services of a career counselor.
Consider scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist who can help you manage your stress and related mental health concerns. Your job should offer learning opportunities and a reasonable level of demand, but not disrespect, bullying, or harassment.
Being a little stressed out at work is normal, and you may very well dislike your job. But, if you’re being treated unfairly or are experiencing workplace misconduct like harassment or discrimination, know that you have options to move forward. Whether you reach out to an attorney to understand your legal standing, contact a career counselor to set out on a new career path, or put your years of experience to good use by learning new skills and tools for workplace success, you can move past mistreatment and thrive at work once more.