If you feel that your sanity is being compromised due to an overbearing, imperious boss, then you're not alone, according to a study just released from Florida State University (FSU). Working on the hypothesis that "employees don't leave their job or company, they leave their boss," an FSU professor surveyed 700 people working in various jobs. The survey showed that over a third of workers thought that their bosses and supervisors were treating them unfairly. The survey subjects said that bosses use a range of tactics to wear down worker resolve, including: the "silent treatment"; withholding due credit; failing to keep promises; invading worker privacy; blaming subordinates for their blunders; and making negative comments about employees to management.
Due to the nature of the boss-employee relationship, many workers tend to bottle-up the frustrations and anxieties that they feel toward their boss, but sticking it out isn't always healthiest option. "Employees stuck in an abusive relationship experienced more exhaustion, job tension, nervousness, depressed mood and mistrust," notes the study.
The study also suggests that abused workers are often less flexible, shirking additional tasks such as overtime and weekend work. But perhaps more surprising is the finding that worker dissatisfaction is independent of salary, as "employees were more likely to leave if involved in an abusive relationship than if dissatisfied with pay," say the researchers.
But just what do you do if you're caught up in an abusive work situation? Maintaining a positive outlook at all times is important, but even more crucial is that workers do not let abusive work relationships run their lives. "Stay visible at work. It is common for the employee to blame himself or herself for the abuse, causing embarrassment. Hiding can be detrimental to your career. In most cases, others know who the bullies are at work - they likely have a history of mistreating others."
Of course, if the abuse becomes more serious, employees should not hesitate in taking matters further. "No abuse should be taken lightly, especially in situations where it becomes a criminal act," warn the researchers.
Source: Florida State University
