Harassment in the work place

jeninabilan

Hey guys!

I am a concierge at a high rise condo downtown. So I have been venting to some friends about things that have been going on at work and they all think I could have a pretty decent harassment case (especially if I don't get hired after my 90 day trial period) and just wanted to get another opinion.

1. I got hired 2 weeks before Thanksgiving and was promised a Christmas "bonus" from the residents. It was one of my incentives for working here since I didn't get the pay that I asked for. Well, Christmas came and went and EVERYONE (including people who don't work here anymore) got a bonus except for me. (Might I add that I am the only female concierge as well and my managers are both females). I had a few residents ask me if I got my bonus yet and when I asked management about it, they said that the "residents" decide who gets it.. But I specifically had residents ask me if I got it yet, so obviously I don't know which "residents" they are referring to.

2. Since day 1, I have been getting crap for the way that I look. Let me add that I grew up competing in pageants until just recently, I know how to dress professional and primarily own nice, business casual clothing. First, my manager asked me if I can buy some turtle necks to wear to work. I have a farely large chest, but I am always completely covered up and no one else has to wear turtle necks. Either way, I went out and bought some turtle necks to wear to work. THEN I get asked if I can buy some nicer button ups. so I did. THEN I get told that I don't look professional enough and that I need to wear suit jackets. SO I went out and bought a couple suit jackets.. THEN I get told they're not the right "color". (one was black, one was gray and the other was ivory). Apparently it's supposed to be a specific shade of gray. So finally I asked if they can just provide me with a uniform and they said "we don't provide uniforms until after 90 days". The other guy who got hired a week after me has a uniform because he fit into one of the former employee's uniform. So I told them that I have already gone out and purchased a lot of items for this "uniform" and will gladly wear what they want me to when they provide it. In the meantime, I always dress 100% professionally with button ups and suits. They still make comments here and there, but they've dropped it for the most part.

3. Once the uniform problem wasn't an issue, they found other things to complain about.. my nails aren't perfectly manicured, after a 12 hour day my hair gets a little frizzy in this darn Tennessee weather, etc.. just nit picking over everything.

4. Since my hair has been a topic of discussion (again, I am insanely girly and always spend time getting ready and looking nice, it's not like I come to work looking like a hood rat), I decided to go and get my hair done and did an anti-frizz treatment. Today I spent a little extra time making sure it looks great and my manager walks in and says "wow.. your hair! are you getting ready for a photo shoot or something?" (in a very sny way).

Ugh.. I'm just getting sick of it.. honestly, it's starting to take a tol on my confidence. Every day I come to work scared of what they're going to find wrong with me that day.. I just don't know what to do. I need the job and I LOVE the residents and the job itself. It's perfect for me. I just can't stand this... Any advice?

JustJennie1

I get that you "need" the job but think about this: after your 90 day probationary period if they keep you it's not going to stop. You're still going to be miserable. I would just quit because you're not happy (and you're just in probation right now!) and you obviously won't be happy. What will you do if they do keep you on, turn around and file a lawsuit over the treatment during your probation? Even now if you complain they can fire you because you in probation regardless and if they did and you sued them and they were forced to hire you would you then want to work there still?

Honestly I don't care how much of a "perfect' fit something is. If it's a **** situation then get out.

jeninabilan

Thansk Jennie! I know you're right, but I am also a musician and this job gives me Thur-Sat off so it's perfect for travelling and getting to do what I love most in life.

I also forgot to add that I pick up EVERYONE'S shifts and over the holidays averaged 70 hours a week. One day I worked 16 hours because my replacement forgot he was working.. I missed ONE day because I had the flu and I called 5 hours before my shift to let them know. I had a "sit down meeting" about how they need to make sure I'm serious about my job and commited. The guy who picked up my shift got a "thank you" card and gift card for "being a rockstar" and covering a few hours for me. And then I get treated like **** and not acknowledged AT ALL when I pick up everyone's shifts and stay at work late. I just feel like there's some kind of discrimination thing going on. I have always been a hard worker and have received "employee of the month" multiple times for every job I've worked, so I know it's not me.. I just don't know

ACepero79

If they are being that picky and haven't given you a bonus that residents believe you should have already received, then to me, the writing is on the wall - they want to make your life so miserable that you quit and they keep the bonus.

However, I don't think it technically fits the definition of harassment.

JustJennie1

I'd say it's more of a hostile work environment or discrimination.

Honestly I would just quit. Either way it doesn't seem as though they're going to keep you and if you complained or sued it would be your word against theirs right now and like I said since you're under probation you'll probably get let go any way.

You can find a much better job possibly in the same industry. I personally wouldn't put up with something like that.

jeninabilan

I'll try.. I might just go back to Starbucks.. it's been a few years but the company always took good care of me and I could go back to being a supervisor. It's flexible and has great benefits too.