Hostile Environment

[fine409]

What is the name of your state? Kentucky

I work for a CPA firm as a bookkeeper. One of the partners of the firm has on many occasions yelled at the top of his lungs directly at me and the rest of the bookkeepers. He uses foul language when he is ranting and raving. He seems to "lose his mind" over nothing. Today, he called me into the office manager's office and with the door open yelled at me because I didn't have information that a client had failed to supply. Again, this instance was not my fault. This could be heard throughout the firm (approximately 20 employees). These outbursts have become so common that they are called Drewnami's (first name is Drew). He even participated in an office pool to see when he would lose control during tax season. Clients are even aware of his outbursts and critisisms towards subordinates. I have been with the firm for over six years and all of my appraisals have been outstanding. Today, after he completely embarrassed me in front of the entire bookkeeping staff, I cleaned out my desk and was about to leave when one of the senior partners asked me to reconsider. He said this guy was "out of control" and asked that I calm down (I was crying...again) and come back tomorrow. This evening, I got a phone call from the partner appologizing and saying he would like for us to start fresh tomorrow. It was apparent it was a forced appology. This is a terrible situation. Do I have any recourse? What should I do? Thanks so much for any information anyone can give.

 

[cbg]

A "hostile work environment" has a very specific meaning under the law and what you describe does not meet it.

Unless you are being subjected to either sexual harassment or illegal discrimination under Title VII and related laws (race, religion, etc.) you are not, legally, in an HWE.

It is not illegal to be a jerk. It is not even illegal to be a world-class jerk. Nothing you have described provides you with any legal recourse.

You can certainly talk to HR and see if they have any suggestions on an internal basis.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

And although you received the correct legal advice from CB I would add that I ALWAYS advise managers and business owners (especially when dealing with employees of the opposite sex) to either have a member of the same sex in a closed-door meeting or, if none is available, to leave the door open.

There are too many times in these situations where the initial issue is overshadowed by a false claim of sexual harassment.

 

[Beth3]

Do I have any recourse? Legally, no. The boss being a raving lunatic and world-class jerk with no impulse control is not illegal.

What should I do? That's entirely up to you. If I were you, I'd talk to the senior partner who asked you to reconsider leaving and tell him that he and the other senior partners MUST do something about their partner's behavior or else you're going to be outta there pronto because you simply will not tolerate his abusive behavior any longer.