Worker tries to cope with bullying boss

ASK AMY

I have been in my current job for just over two years.

I like the work and most of the people that I work with, but, my boss is a bully to me and everyone else. He has yelled at me at least 10 times.

I don’t mind being corrected, but he swears, calls you names, and really degrades you.

He does this to everyone in the office — even his own boss. A few people have filed complaints about him, and one person even needed anxiety medication.

The last time he yelled at me was about a month ago. I walked into work and could tell he was already in a bad mood. All of a sudden, he started yelling about a memo I sent. I’d finally had enough and respectfully stood up for myself. The memo he yelled at me about was the same one he had approved a week before. Following that incident, he sent an e-mail apologizing for his behaviour.

I come from a long line of strong women, but I am scared to lose my job if I stand up for myself. The men in the office are also his targets and they are scared because they feel that no one will listen because they are men. How do we put a stop to this? — NERVOUS EMPLOYEE

You already stood up for yourself, and it worked, so you should continue to stand up for yourself, respectfully countering any bullying behaviour and unfounded accusations that are flung your way.

Upper management and/ or HR should act on these reports. His behaviour is damaging the work environment and affecting productivity, certainly if he is punishing you for work he has previously approved.