Hostile Work Environment Concerns

Summary

In Nova Scotia, workplace harassment is taken seriously. Document interactions and report to HR or the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Division. Consider seeking legal advice if necessary.

Full Conversation

Avery Oickle
Nice to meet you, Avery! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
I had an issue with my manager last night. I expressed to him several times before that I wasn't as efficient working where he had me, as I could be elsewhere in the store. I had told a co-worker, and they went and told him. My manager then came to me and said "if your gonna complain about being assigned this work, I'll keep giving it to you just to be a dick. And if I do give you something else, it'll be something harder, not easier."
That sounds like a difficult situation, Avery. In Nova Scotia, workplace harassment is taken seriously. Here's some general information:
- Employers are expected to maintain a respectful workplace.
- You can file a complaint with your HR department or the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Division.
- Document all incidents for evidence.
Have you spoken to anyone in HR or looked into filing a complaint?
I haven't been sure whether or not I should contact HR. But when he said he'd keep assigning me that work or harder work just to be a dick, what would I even tell HR?
When contacting HR, you can explain the situation clearly by stating:
- The specific comments your manager made.
- How these actions have affected your work environment or performance.
- Any previous attempts to address the issue directly with your manager.
- Your desire for a solution that ensures a respectful workplace.
Have you considered documenting these interactions for future reference?
This was just the first one. The work he is assigning me has affected my efficiency, so it seems as I get less work done, and I get in trouble for it. And it makes me feel that he doesn't care about my mental health, anxiety, or depression. Which anxiety and depression are an issue that creep up when I feel I did a bad job
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It sounds like you're in a challenging situation, Avery. Documenting these interactions and their impact on your mental health is important. This can provide evidence if you decide to pursue the matter further with HR or the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Division. Have you considered seeking support from a mental health professional to help cope with the anxiety and depression?
I've done it in the past. But it never really helped. And I'm still trying to overcome trauma from an arterial bleed from last month from my tonsillectomy
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It seems like you’re dealing with a difficult work environment, which can certainly impact your mental health. If you’re considering taking action, documenting everything is key. Meanwhile, focusing on healing from your recent surgery is important too. Would you like more information on workplace rights in Nova Scotia?
Yes. A straightforward question I want to ask though, is him saying "if your gonna complain about being assigned this work, I'll keep giving it to you just to be a dick. And if I do give you something else, it'll be something harder, not easier" something that should be reported?
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Yes, the comments from your manager could potentially be reported as they may contribute to a hostile work environment. This behavior might be considered workplace harassment, which is taken seriously in Nova Scotia. It's important to document these interactions and consider discussing them with HR or seeking advice from the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Division.
Would you like more information on how to proceed with a complaint or report?
Yes
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In Nova Scotia, you have several options for reporting workplace harassment:
- Contact HR: You can report the specific comments and actions of your manager to HR, emphasizing how they affect your work environment and mental health.
- Nova Scotia Labour Standards Division: They offer guidance on workplace rights and can assist with filing complaints.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions and their impacts.
If you'd like more information on filing a complaint or seeking legal advice, please let me know.