What do you do if your boss abuses their power in the workplace?

1 Recognize the signs

It's important to recognize the signs of workplace abuse, which can include your boss constantly criticizing or insulting you, micromanaging your work, isolating you from colleagues, taking credit for your work, coercing you into doing unethical things, or making unwanted sexual advances. If any of these signs are present, it's important to remember that it's not your fault and that you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity in the workplace.

2 Document the abuse

The next step is to document the abuse, which means keeping a record of the incidents, dates, times, locations, witnesses and outcomes of the abusive behavior. Collecting evidence such as emails, texts, messages, letters, memos or recordings that support your claims is also important. Documenting the abuse can be beneficial in validating your feelings and experiences, identifying patterns and triggers of the abuse, preparing for reporting or confronting the abuse and protecting yourself from retaliation or false accusations. Ensure that you store your documentation in a safe and secure place such as a personal device, a cloud service or a trusted friend's house. Additionally, do not share your documentation with anyone who may be involved in or influenced by the abuse.

3 Seek support

The third step is to seek support. It's important to take care of yourself and reach out to others who can help you when you are dealing with workplace abuse. Your family and friends can provide emotional and practical support, while your co-workers may be able to offer solidarity or advocacy. If needed, your human resources department, union, professional association, doctor, therapist, lawyer or counselor can provide you with resources, policies, procedures, legal or financial assistance, diagnosis, treatment or advice. Seeking support can help you cope, heal and recover from workplace abuse as well as empower you to take action.

4 Confront the abuse

Confronting the abuse is the fourth step, which involves communicating with your boss about the abuse and how it affects you, and asking them to stop or change their behavior. When doing so, it’s important to choose a suitable time, place, and method for the conversation, such as face-to-face, phone, or email. You should also be clear, confident, and respectful in your message while expressing your feelings, needs, and expectations with “I” statements. It’s also important to listen to your boss's response and acknowledge any feedback or apologies they may offer. Additionally, you should set boundaries and consequences and tell your boss what you will or will not tolerate if the abuse continues or escalates. Confronting the abuse can help you assert yourself and restore your relationship with your boss. However, it may also backfire so be prepared for any possible outcomes.

6 Leave the abuse

The sixth and final step is to leave the abuse. This means quitting your job, or transferring to another department, team, or location, where you can work without being abused by your boss. Evaluating your situation and exploring alternatives are important steps when considering leaving the abuse. You should also plan your exit and prepare for the transition, such as updating your resume, securing references, saving money, or giving notice. When you are ready to execute your move, make sure to apply for jobs, accept offers, resign, or relocate. Finally, adjust to your new reality and settle into your new role, environment, or situation. Leaving the abuse can help you end the cycle, start fresh, and find happiness; however it may also entail sacrifices and losses so be ready for any challenges or opportunities that may arise.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?