TOTALLY GEEKED!

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

RE: Friday for now!

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.

What a mess!

The employees who are being bullied: Do they not have an recourse?

flan

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

ed11563 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.
If anyone's complaining about them, tell the person to put it in writing to HR, including details like date and time, and the words said or actions and attitude shown.

Good idea, Ed.

Divine Geek · Guru

lilyofcourse wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.
Well. You kill'me with kindness while giving them just enough rope to hang themselves.
I've had to walk that tight rope.
I don't envy you.

I tried that with the woman I was training who reported me to HR for being mean. Now she thinks we're friends evileye

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

flan327 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.
What a mess!
The employees who are being bullied: Do they not have an recourse?
flan

This is exactly my biggest concern. They have complained to HR and HR has let them know that I am aware of the issue and that I am "working on a solution". The reality is, I consulted with our attorney and she said if I fire the individuals (that's the penalty for bullying/harassment in the handbook) we will probably get sued for retaliating against these idiots. And even though there is no merit to it, we could still lose or else the legal fees will bankrupt the company. So I have to try and get the Board to resolve some of this by making a public statement. Which they don't like to do - or they try and beat around the bush. I need them to be clear and concise.

The frustration stems from some staff wanting staff representation on the GM search committee. We have a rep, it's our HR person. But the staff want a "worker bee" not a manager. This isn't possible due to confidentiality, and a host of other reasons. The least of which is that the search committee has been named, the charter approved, etc. Too late. Move on.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Mellow Momma wrote:
flan327 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.
What a mess!
The employees who are being bullied: Do they not have an recourse?
flan
This is exactly my biggest concern. They have complained to HR and HR has let them know that I am aware of the issue and that I am "working on a solution". The reality is, I consulted with our attorney and she said if I fire the individuals (that's the penalty for bullying/harassment in the handbook) we will probably get sued for retaliating against these idiots. And even though there is no merit to it, we could still lose or else the legal fees will bankrupt the company. So I have to try and get the Board to resolve some of this by making a public statement. Which they don't like to do - or they try and beat around the bush. I need them to be clear and concise.

The frustration stems from some staff wanting staff representation on the GM search committee. We have a rep, it's our HR person. But the staff want a "worker bee" not a manager. This isn't possible due to confidentiality, and a host of other reasons. The least of which is that the search committee has been named, the charter approved, etc. Too late. Move on.

Instead of firing them, can't you do a written warning about breaking the rules and harassing others? That way there is a paper trail for when you have to fire them in the future (you will).

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Mellow Momma wrote:
flan327 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.
What a mess!
The employees who are being bullied: Do they not have an recourse?
flan
This is exactly my biggest concern. They have complained to HR and HR has let them know that I am aware of the issue and that I am "working on a solution". The reality is, I consulted with our attorney and she said if I fire the individuals (that's the penalty for bullying/harassment in the handbook) we will probably get sued for retaliating against these idiots. And even though there is no merit to it, we could still lose or else the legal fees will bankrupt the company. So I have to try and get the Board to resolve some of this by making a public statement. Which they don't like to do - or they try and beat around the bush. I need them to be clear and concise.

The frustration stems from some staff wanting staff representation on the GM search committee. We have a rep, it's our HR person. But the staff want a "worker bee" not a manager. This isn't possible due to confidentiality, and a host of other reasons. The least of which is that the search committee has been named, the charter approved, etc. Too late. Move on.

Why do you have to give cause to fire someone? Here in NE most of the states, or maybe all, are employment at will, meaning you can be fired for no reason. Problem solved.

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

This is why good employees leave. Same thing happens at my job. We just lost another good nurse and a few a-holes get their way. We are paying out the azz for travel nurses because we don't have enough staff.

ed11563 · Guru

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
flan327 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.
What a mess!
The employees who are being bullied: Do they not have an recourse?
flan
This is exactly my biggest concern. They have complained to HR and HR has let them know that I am aware of the issue and that I am "working on a solution". The reality is, I consulted with our attorney and she said if I fire the individuals (that's the penalty for bullying/harassment in the handbook) we will probably get sued for retaliating against these idiots. And even though there is no merit to it, we could still lose or else the legal fees will bankrupt the company. So I have to try and get the Board to resolve some of this by making a public statement. Which they don't like to do - or they try and beat around the bush. I need them to be clear and concise.

The frustration stems from some staff wanting staff representation on the GM search committee. We have a rep, it's our HR person. But the staff want a "worker bee" not a manager. This isn't possible due to confidentiality, and a host of other reasons. The least of which is that the search committee has been named, the charter approved, etc. Too late. Move on.
Why do you have to give cause to fire someone? Here in NE most of the states, or maybe all, are employment at will, meaning you can be fired for no reason. Problem solved.

Yes, people can be fired for no reason at all (unless there's a union contract). But they can sue if a reason is given, to challenge the facts.

There are I think only three viable options.

(1) move them into a position where they continue to get paid, but don't get to see or interact with live humans at all. New Your City schools have what they call "rubber rooms" for teachers who can't be terminated, but can't be allowed near students. They go to the Administration building every day, sit in a room together all day doing nothing.

(2) Move them to a newly created position for a few weeks, then eliminate that position. By bye.

(3) fire them for well-documented cause, and let them sue, if they can find a lawyer who won't mind losing. Yes, it will cost something to fight their suits, but it's probably less than keeping them on the payroll.

LL, what say you?

Southern_Belle · Nothing's Impossible

We have a lateral violence policy now. Basically it says you can't get away with being a jerk. Management is supposed to counsel employee if there are complaints. Then send them back to training if needed. It's a boring 2 hour meeting. Then last resort is termination. Management usually just ignores complaints from the get go. It's a bogus policy.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

flan327 wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
I need a drink. My Board of Directors is driving me crazy. I have 2 people on a staff of 60 that are trying to mount an insurrection, and even though no one else is with them, it's monopolizing my time and making everyone uncomfortable. It's a pretty hostile work environment and I can't do anything about it. The 2 are harassing and bullying the others and I can't do anything about it because legal told me not to (retaliation). It's ridiculous.
What a mess!
The employees who are being bullied: Do they not have an recourse?
flan

MM, I'm sorry you're having to deal with all this. What a mess. I couldn't do it. You're a stronger woman than I.