A bad employer is more than just someone giving employees silent treatment or making them feel like they’re invisible. It’s a deliberate choice to make their employees’ lives difficult, and it can have lasting consequences on their mental and physical health. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, employees who experienced high levels of workplace mistreatment were more likely to have health problems, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
Signs of a Bad Employer
1. They’re constantly changing the rules.
A bad employer will often change the rules without notice or explanation, leaving employees confused and frustrated. This can be especially difficult for employees juggling multiple tasks or deadlines. You might constantly have to ask for clarification or feel like you can never quite measure up.
Many employers use fear as a way to control their employees. If you’re constantly worried about being fired or demoted, that’s a sign that your employer is trying to control you through fear. This environment can be very stressful and lead to anxiety and depression.
2. They’re neglecting the safety of their employees.
A bad employer will often put their employees in unsafe working conditions without any regard for their safety. This can be anything from working with dangerous chemicals without proper safety equipment to being expected to work long hours without breaks. They might also refuse to provide adequate safety training.
Working in unsafe conditions can lead to severe injuries or even death. If you’re injured on the job, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against your employer. You may also be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
3. They’re constantly demanding more.
Unrealistic demands are another sign of a bad employer. They might expect you to work long hours without overtime pay, complete tasks that are impossible to finish in the time allotted or take on additional responsibilities without compensation. Employees often feel overworked and stressed out when their employers make unreasonable demands.
This can lead to burnout, a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. When you’re burned out, you might feel like you can’t do anything right. You might also have trouble concentrating or making decisions. If you’re experiencing burnout, you must see a doctor or mental health professional.
4. They’re disrespectful.
No one deserves to be treated disrespectfully, but it’s especially troubling when it comes from your employer. A bad employer might shout at employees, call them names, make fun of them, or belittle their work. This kind of behavior can be very damaging to your self-esteem and can lead to anxiety and depression.
5. They’re creating a hostile environment.
Many bad employers create a hostile work environment often characterized by discrimination, harassment, and bullying. This can be especially difficult for employees who are already marginalized, such as women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ employees.
A hostile work environment can lead to several mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re being harassed at work, you must report it to your human resources and the appropriate authorities.
What You Can Do When Working for a Bad Employer
1. Talk to your boss.
This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s often the most effective one. If you have a good relationship with your boss, sit down with them and explain how their behavior is making you feel. Be specific about what they’re doing that’s causing problems, and offer solutions for how they can change their behavior. Your boss may not know how their actions affect you, and a conversation could be all it takes to get them to change their ways.
2. Find a new job.
If talking to your boss doesn’t work or isn’t an option, it may be time to start looking for a new job. A bad employer can make your life miserable, and there’s no reason why you should have to stick around in that type of situation. Start polishing up your resume and applying for jobs that will make you happier and help you reach your career goals.
3. Stand up for yourself.
If you’re being harassed or mistreated by your boss, standing up for yourself is essential. This may mean speaking up in meetings, going to HR, or even filing a police report if the situation warrants it. Standing up for yourself will show your boss that you’re not going to tolerate their bad behavior, which could help end the problem.
No one deserves to be mistreated at work, but unfortunately, some employers think it’s acceptable to mistreat their employees. If you’re clocking the signs of a bad employer, you can do a few things to improve the situation. The tips above can help you deal with a bad employer, but it may be time to find a new job if the case is intolerable.
