Abuse in the workplace?

What would you do if you saw someone beating a dog brutally or a parent cruelly berating a child? Would you intervene? One would like to think that we would. Given this scenario, what is the right thing to do? Too often there is inaction because “‘we don’t want to make a fuss” “we don’t feel we have a right to intervene” or we think someone else will do it.

Consider this situation: Your son or daughter has done really well at university, got brilliant grades and has been offered a fantastic job with a six-figure salary working for a high-flying international FTSE 100 company . Wouldn’t you be thrilled for them? Of course, you may be a little jealous, it makes your good salary seem paltry in comparison, nonetheless you are excited for them.

The next thing you know is that not only is the salary high but you discover that the expectations of them are also incredibly high. They can no longer attend family events, their social life is non-existent and when you do finally get to see them, they are looking thin and gaunt with big black bags under their eyes. And it’s no wonder they don’t look well because they are working until 3 or 4 in the morning and still expected to be fresh and at their desk at 9am. They are expected to be on call virtually 24 hours a day, even at Christmas and New Year. The rewards are tremendous, they are earning big money, probably ten times more than you did in your first job, or possibly are earning now.

I’m sure you’re thinking “Well, that’s what big companies do, they burn out their young people and push them to their limits. How can that be right?

What if it were your son and daughter? Would you stand idly by watching these companies destroy your loved one. Many of the young people cannot cope with this stress and often need therapy. Things can be even worse in lockdown situations as they are usually glued to their computer screens with rarely an opportunity to see anyone face to face or even get out for fresh air or do exercise.

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your child suffer in this way but what is the answer. The young person usually loves the money even though they have very little time to spend it. They want to climb that ladder and be successful and in most cases are prepared to put up with the stress.

All too often I hear “I had to go through the same thing, why shouldn’t they? “They don’t have to do it, they can leave if they want to” But can they? What chance does a young, inexperienced person have against manipulative hard nosed, hard-hearted managers who only want to get the job done and couldn’t care less about their employee.

A friend of mine who used to be one of those heart hearted managers and ended up in rehab now runs a business supporting young people in this situation before they get to burn out. She believes that it is not necessary for young people to be treated this way. I, too believe the same thing. I have seen first-hand the damage it is doing to a family member and it breaks my heart to see such a beautiful young woman being treated this way. Surely, this counts as abuse. Who is going to stop it happening? It will take a significant culture change to stop it but who is going to do it? It takes courage to stand up to a boss and tell him/her that you are NOT going to work late in the evening because you are going to the theatre.

Why do we have to keep on repeating things? That’s how bullies operate: it was done to me so I’m going to do it to you. In any other sphere of society, there would be an outcry and social services would be called in. Not so, in big business. When will it stop? I implore any manager reading this and who is party to this nonsense to rethink and start treating their staff, particularly young people with respect. Take the advice of John Adair.

John Adair, the leadership guru cited that a task needs a team because one person alone cannot accomplish it. If the team needs are not met the task will fail.

The three needs of task, team and individual are the watchwords of leadership, as people expect their leaders to help them achieve the common task, build the synergy of teamwork, and respond to individuals’ needs.

His model was figuratively based on three overlapping circles representing:-

1. Achieve the task.

2. Build and maintain the team.

3. Develop the individual.

For more information read ” https://www.amazon.co.uk/Effective-Leadership-NEW-REVISED-successful-ebook/dp/B004PYDBPS