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Well, it looks pretty comprehensive and you did use some of Cheryl’s keywords such as threat and intimidation. But those who have dealt with HR and such harassment can critique it better than me.
As for your past experiences in the workplace and questioning your possible overreacting in those situations, maybe you do, maybe you don’t. But as long as you’re truthful in your statement to HR about this particular job and things that have occurred within it, then the facts will speak for themselves.
I really hope HR does something for you.
Wow…All I can say is good luck. That type of situation should not be occuring and I hope HR helps you out.
While hiding somewhere in my head I'm on the lookout for white oriental dragons! Please let me know if you know of any available. Thank you!
It looks like you described the situation pretty well. I noticed a few things that you might want to clarify:
1) Has Zack been working there since you started?
2) Had there been any incidents between you and Zack before he became manager at the end of January, which showed that he was creating a hostile work environment for you?
3) What does Zack’s 2/18/07 break room remark illustrate? Is that a typical example of his comments, and how do they affect you?
4) Do you need to describe the incident with John? Does that incident illustrate hostility, harassment, or any other things that HR would be concerned about from a legal standpoint?
5) Do you need to include an outline of what actions you would like to see taken going forward? That is, do you want HR to identify a commit date on when you can start your training? Do you want HR to identify stores where you can transfer to? etc.
In regards to whether you’re doing anything wrong — for this current situation it sounds like you have very valid concerns. I think you should definitely stand up for yourself in situations where you’re being unfairly treated. But at the same time, since you mentioned that similar problems had occurred multiple times in the past, it might be useful to think through the situations that occurred in the past, and see if you can identify other ways that you might have handled the problem which would have resolved it amicably. Its not that there’s anything “wrong” with you, its just a matter of finding better strategies of interacting with people.
By the way, that’s something that I’ve tried to work on continuously over the years, because by nature I’m a very straightforward person, and I tend to say what I think (which gets me in trouble sometimes). I’ve found that its best to first think about whether saying something (even though it may be true) will aid in achieving the end result, and if there’s some way to say that same thing which would make the other party more receptive to your request.
My two cents, I always tell people that whatever happens, TELL THE HIGHEST RANKING PERSON, the owner or top boss. They should know that a manager is not doing what he was hired to do, namely manage people to run the place smoothly.
Bosses often don’t notice the crap that is going on between people until things get really awful, because nobody SAYS anything!Melody wrote:
Quote:My two cents, I always tell people that whatever happens, TELL THE HIGHEST RANKING PERSON, the owner or top boss. They should know that a manager is not doing what he was hired to do, namely manage people to run the place smoothly.
Bosses often don’t notice the crap that is going on between people until things get really awful, because nobody SAYS anything!Unfortunately all too true. And by the time they DO notice, it is frequently too late for an amicable resolution.
The sad thing is sometimes it’s the owner creating the problem. That’s what happened to me at a bakery I worked at. It was owned by three people. Two of them really liked me the third seemed to hate me. I went home sick one day and was layed off. (In that place unofficially fired)
I now work for a large company. If I have a problem I go to my supervisor for me that’s the Service Manager. If she dosen’t resolve it then I go to the supervisors (supervisor?) which is the Store Manager and if she dosen’t resolve it then I go to the district manager. So on down the line. We even have access to the home phone numbers. Just in case we can’t speak about it at work.
Anyways I really hope your HR can help you. I would go to the owner of the buisness as well. But, do document everything it will help you with your case.
Ok, so here is the finished product that will get sent to HR (I would have sent it already, but like a dummy I don’t have the fax # because my comp wigged out on me….. 🙄 ) Once again, sorry for the length, feel free to not read it or get into it. For those of you who have taken the time to read through my BS and make VERY helpful comments, questions and share your friendship, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Here goes!
Catherine Christoph
Aaron Brothers employee store #21 Irvine, CA
Currently part time employee
Originally hired on as Seasonal, kept on as P/TTimeline:
Hired: 12/05/06
Ramin officially transferred ~ approximately ~ 01/07/07
Zack training in TX approximately 01/14/07 to 01/28/07
Zack officially takes over ~ approximately 02/04/07
Training/information meeting with entire staff ~ 02/18/07
Incident with John ~ 02/19/07Disability:
When I was originally hired on, I discussed my disability with Ramin. I told him that I had a lower back injury, but based on my knowledge of the store and responsibilities, I could work around my disability to perform my job. The only thing I foresaw as a problem was the trash can where glass was disposed of. That it would probably be too heavy for me to lift. Ramin said that it would not be a problem to get another employee to take care of the can, and I should just let the other employees know.
I spoke with all of the other employees, telling them of my injury, and none of them had a problem helping me out with the glass trash can.
After the incident with John, I left a note for Zack saying we needed to talk about what documentation he needed in my file regarding my disability.
When I spoke with Zack, he told me that it was no big deal for the other employees to help me with the glass can, that I should just let them know.
When I asked about what paperwork he needed in my file about my disability, he told me that he didn’t know if he needed anything, but “…that it would be good for you legally to have something written in there in case it came to a work comp issue.”
I am currently able to perform all of my job functions and duties with exception to dumping the glass trash can.Training:
I was told upon hiring that there was OJT, and tests that I could complete for an increase in salary, and that I should complete training within the month.
I was told by Ramin, the GM and my hiring manager at the time, that my training materials had been ordered within second week of employment, and they would be available before the first of 2007.
To date training materials are not present, and I have not been properly trained.
I was originally told that I could input information into the Frame Magic system for practice, but I could not complete the order because my initials were not in the system. Another employee would at that time check my work, explain any corrections and complete the order.
At this time I am not allowed to input ANY information into the system. The reasoning explained to me was that orders were being messed up because I inputted information incorrectly and the other employees weren’t correctly trained, so didn’t catch the mistakes.
I have asked Zack repeatedly since he became the GM about when “the other employees and I would be “correctly” trained so that we could be more productive.”
I have not gotten a straight answer from Zack. He consistently brushes me off with comments like “Don’t worry about it, you’ll get trained eventually”, “It will be soon”, “I don’t have time to talk to you about it right now.” When I would ask for a timeframe he would either not answer, tell me to go do some work, or tell me it will be “soon” once again.
At one point, after Zack told me that he didn’t have time to properly train me, I asked him if I could be sent to another store to be trained. He said that it was too complicated and that I would just have to wait.
It was mentioned in the meeting on Sun 02/18/07 that “sometime” in the future the part time employees would get the training booklets for Frame Magic, but Zack didn’t know when exactly that would be.Zack:
To my knowledge, Zack has been with the company at most 2 months longer than I have. (This may not be accurate)
There is an obvious tension between myself and Zack. This has been observed by other employees. One even stated that from his observations “I don’t think Zack likes you very much. I don’t know why, but there is definitely something there.” The cause of this is unknown, whether it is because I am a young female, or for other more personal reasons.
Shortly after Zack returned from manager training in TX, one of our employees quit after his hours had been decreased. I worked a closing shift with Zack a few days later, and he said to me “I’m surprised it took Brenton so long to quit, I was cutting his hours so that he would leave. Mind you, if a manager ever starts cutting your hours and giving them to someone else, that’s a sure fire way to tell that they want you to quit” As soon as Zack found someone to hire, my hours went from 20 to 8, and the new employee (another male) was given 20 hours for his first week. This was for the week ending 3/03/07. On the schedule for the week ending 3/10/07 I am currently scheduled for 8 hours while the new employee is still scheduled for 20 hours.
Zack keeps stating repeatedly that “This is at will employment; I can terminate you whenever I want for whatever reason I want. I don’t even have to have a reason.” The manner and frequency of this comment seems like a threat and intimidation.
I am uncomfortable talking to Zack because when trying to discuss work related issues I have not been given the courtesy of his full attention, seriousness, or I have been brushed off with non-committal answers. I am also uncomfortable talking with him because he makes me feel inferior, unwelcome, and intrusive.
At the meeting on Sun 02/18/07 I was the only female of seven employees present. (The framer, who is also female, is retiring shortly and was not at the meeting). Zack made an off hand comment as to keeping the break room clean. He said; “You can all go back there and screw each other as long as it’s kept clean” I caught his attention, made eye contact and said “That wasn’t a cool thing to say.” His facial expression showed me that he at least understood, if not heard me. I don’t know if any of the other employees heard me as they were laughing at the comment and I said it at conversational volume. This incident is noted to illustrate Zack’s lack of sensitivity, and general demeanor. It may or may not be an ongoing issue, only time will tell.Conflict with John:
I have never before had any issues with John, nor him with me that I have been aware of. He has normally displayed a cool, even, and meticulous nature, taking one task at a time and not letting stress affect him much. In the past month, (since Zack has become the GM) John seems to be much more agitated, on edge, and snippy.
On Monday 02/19/07 John and I closed together, it was only the two of us closing. He seemed much more agitated that he had in the few weeks prior.
The night before (02/18/07) the part time employees were told not to use the Frame Magic system.
I was helping a customer with some routine ready-made frames when he asked how much custom matting would be. Without thinking I entered the information in the computer, having been used to doing so and having my work checked as stated above. I asked John to check the work when he came to the frame counter, and he gave me a “how dare you” look, and asked why I was using the computer when I was told not to. I said that I was sorry, that it was habit and that it wouldn’t happen again. He refused to check the work and told me to “just put the order through, I don’t have time for this.”
John’s attitude then became even more irritated and frustrated as the evening went on.
Later when there were no customers I asked if he was upset about something I had done, or if it was something else that was bothering him. He responded with “yah, it’s something you did, and everything else.” When I asked what it was that I did to upset him he responded, “Don’t worry about it”
I let the matter drop for the time being, but his attitude and demeanor towards me became increasingly irritated and angry. After we closed and I had taken out all of the trash except the glass trash can, he told me to take out the glass can. I told him that I could not lift it because of my back injury. I had discussed this issue with the other employees when I first started working, and they, including John, had been willing to help out with it for the last two and a half months. He said that he didn’t have time to argue, and to just take it out. I responded that I could not, that it was too heavy. He then made the comment “Well Zack said that you have nothing in your record about a disability so take out the can.” (This is speculation on my part, but why would Zack tell him something like that if he didn’t ask, and if he did ask, he obviously had a problem with it, why didn’t he bring it up?) I said that I would try, and would come back to get him if I could not dump it. Of course I could not lift it, and told him as much. He then went to empty it with a look of disgust. At that point I told him that if it were such a big issue that I would write a note to Zack asking what documentation he needed regarding my disability. While I was writing said note, John asked me to take some frames to the trash that had been marked out, I said that I would as soon as I finished the note, as I felt it was really important. Then next thing I knew, John stormed up, telling me to clock out. I said that I needed a minute to finish my note and then take the frames out. He told me that he had already taken care of the frames since I had decided to be “insubordinate”. I asked him “What is your problem with me? You’ve been really nasty all night and won’t tell me what I did wrong so that I can try to fix it.” He then got in my face saying first it was the Frame Magic (when I tried to explain this again he said, “Don’t apologize to me, I don’t want to hear it.”) Then it was not taking out the trash, which we got into a yelling match about my disability and how he knew about it, and why was it all of a sudden a problem. And last it was my “insubordination” for not doing what I was told and taking out the glass and frames, and not clocking out when he told me to. He told me to quit writing my note, to do it “on my own time” to which I replied that it directly related to work and I needed to get it to Zack as soon as possible, besides the fact that he had to put it in the office since I didn’t have keys. This was all very heated and escalated, and at one point we locked eye contact, and John looked ready to hit me. He did not make any physical move towards me. I was allowed to finish my note and we left for the night.
When I got home, I called Kyle, the other store lead, and told him what happened, stating that I should probably call Zack and tell him what happened, but I was scared to talk to Zack for fear that he might wholly take John’s side and use it as an excuse for “at will termination”. Kyle said to get some sleep; he would talk to John and call me in the morning.
Tuesday morning (02/20/07) Kyle had spoken with John and told me that John said that he was over the incident. That he really didn’t have that big of a problem with me, and that he was just frustrated about everything that has been going on with the store. John apparently had not told Zack about what had happened, and only mentioned the issue with me not being able to lift the glass and me leaving the note. Kyle said that he would speak with me later about talking to Zack.
Later that night when I worked with Kyle, he told me; “As a friend, not as official advice from a superior, I believe Zack doesn’t like you for some unknown reason. This is based off of my observations of Zack and how he has acted towards you in the past.” He thought that it would be best not to bring up the incident with John and “make waves” due to dislike. That it would be the best and easiest course of action to just lay low and do as I was told so as not to incur any retaliation. He said professionally, that what ever I chose to do, he would be there to support me, and help with any communication between myself, John, or Zack.
I was too scared and intimidated to speak with Zack about the situation, and do not know the District Manager well enough to approach him on the subject. I don’t think I’ve even been properly introduced to him.
While this seems to be an isolated incident with John, I find that it has created tension when working with him. I have worked alone with him on a couple nights since the incident, and while not feeling directly threatened, I find it uncomfortable and unnerving to work with him. His demeanor has been short and curt, but professional with me since then, and neither of us has broached the subject of what happened. I am rather afraid to do so because I don’t know how he will react, and we seem to have a stable working relationship at present time.
Since then, I have talked with Mike, our Assistant manager about the incident. I don’t know if it has been brought to Zack’s attention, or if anything was done about it. While I don’t believe that disciplinary action is necessary, the type of behavior John displayed was unacceptable and needed to be brought to someone’s attention. If only for the fact that there is apparently SO MUCH tension being created within the store, to include Zack, that one employee took out their overall frustration on another employee.What I would like to see happen:
First and foremost, I would like to continue working for Aaron Brothers. I have found the job to be fun, creative, enlightening, and satisfying. I greatly enjoy working with the customers in all aspects, whether it is with art supplies, decoration, or custom framing. I have had many customers thank me for my professionalism and creativity in bringing their pieces to life in ways they never thought possible. I believe that I have excellent work ethics, creativity, and intelligence to excel in this job and make a positive lasting impression. I am enthusiastic about learning more about my job, for the betterment of myself and the company.
I would like to be trained as soon as possible so that I do not have to continually turn customers away when I am the only associate on the floor.
I do not currently see myself able to learn, grow, and advance in the company at this store under present management, and think that a transfer would be my best option.
There are three stores that are relatively close to me, these include; Lake Forest, Tustin, and Aliso Viejo. My first choice would be Tustin, then Aliso Viejo, and finally Lake Forest.
While the incident with John was uncalled for, I believe that there were other factors involved, to include tension with other members of our staff, and that if anything is to be done, the reasons for the outburst should be investigated.
Where Zack is concerned, he is, to my knowledge, new to higher management, and has much to learn. This in itself would not present a problem, and I have expressed my willingness to work with him to better us both. However, I believe there is an underlying issue between us that will prevent a positive and growing working relationship.It sounds good. Very professional – I’m impressed with how you worded it. I would have been very angry and frustrated but you got your points across in a calm, rational manner. Good luck!
I agree with ddvm – very professional. I would also like to add that if this job doesn’t work out, you seem to have the drive, communication skills and work ethic to be successful elsewhere.
LoL calm and collected…..It took two weeks of cooling down, and several revisions to get it that way LoL…..Louis said it still sounds really full of emotion….but why shouldn’t it? This whole thing has really affected me…..
Thank you for taking the time to read that monstrosity and giving me feed back.
All of you that have responded, giving your support, along with Louis (I don’t know what I’d do without him) Thank you so much. You have really helped me through a tough time in which I thought I’d really lose it again…..Again and again, THANK YOU!!!!
skigod377 wrote:Very good, Cat. Proffesional and mature. I hope it gets you a transfer or the jerk fired.
LoL Ski, you’re my sister in arms, I can always count on you to be there to hand me the RPG launcher and hip-fired .50 cal ROFLMAO
Nirvanacat13 wrote:skigod377 wrote:Very good, Cat. Proffesional and mature. I hope it gets you a transfer or the jerk fired.
LoL Ski, you’re my sister in arms, I can always count on you to be there to hand me the RPG launcher and hip-fired .50 cal ROFLMAO 😆 😈 Any time!! *Checks magazine*
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