I worked at TRO on a temp to perm basis, which was supposed to be for 3 months, but was extended to 5 months until I eventually quit due to continual bullying. I was bullied by an individual on my team from the word go, and despite this being witnessed by colleagues and seniors on numerous occasions, who took me to one side and told me 'this has been noticed', nothing was done. I also reported the behaviour on a number of occasion, citing that I felt bullied and that it wasn't acceptable, at least once a week I was reduced to tears. However, when I reported this, I was told by my manager that they didn't think I was being bullied - I'm not sure how this is their judgement to make?
After reporting the behaviour on a number of occasions, and it being witnessed by colleagues, I felt like I was finally getting somewhere as I was assured that if it were to happen again, the individual in question would receive a formal warning. However, when it did happen again, management backed out of this, telling me to 'take it on the chin', implied that I was being sensitive and that it was part of the job. Bullying should never be a part of any job. Especially not when you work for a company that promotes a culture of kindness and support among its' employees. It doesn't matter how stressful or high pressure the environment, there is never an excuse for bullying. Having worked on live events such as weddings and funerals, as opposed to managing venue bookings at TRO, I have extensive experience working in stressful environments under pressure from both clients and senior management. However, staff supported each other and worked together to overcome difficulties, and management were supportive if any grievances were brought to light. There is never any need to make someone feel stupid, isolated and uncomfortable in or out of work.
In addition to the above, I also received an email in error from the account manager bad-mouthing me to my manager. Thus, taking things from bad to worse. When I brought this up, I was told 'I didn't mean it how it sounded' and was given a sob story about their anxieties, as they once again tried to excuse bullying in the workplace.
Not only did I experience bullying, but my temporary contract was only supposed to last for 3 months before I transferred onto a permanent contract with TRO. Instead, it kept getting extended, sometimes on a weekly basis, meaning that I continued to be paid the minimum wage and received none of the benefits of permanent members of staff.
