Sick Leave- Depression and Anxiety Due to Workplace Bullying

niish150887 on 11/10/2023 - 23:42

Hi All,

I am currently on Sick Leave due to Depression and Anxiety caused due to workplace bullying. I have raised a complaint with HR who has advised that I can take sick leave as long as I have a medical certificate. The doctor has been very supportive and is willing to support me (provide medical certificates and referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist if required and medication to help me sleep).

My compliant is currently under investigation but just wondering if anyone has been in this situation and how long have you taken your sick leave?

Education & Work

Comments

  • Hybroid on 11/10/2023 - 23:46
    +14

    Does your company have an Employee Assistance Program/Helpline? They should.

    Contact them and talk through your options, they're specially trained for exactly that.

  • Muzeeb on 11/10/2023 - 23:55
    +12

    Can't help sorry but all the best. Don't let others drag you down.

  • Drakesy on 12/10/2023 - 00:11
    +13

    I'd personally change jobs.

    No job is worth going back to once you're pre-dispositioned to a negative reaction.

    • niish150887 on 12/10/2023 - 00:12
      -2

      I agree - I hope the resolution is for them to find me another role but within the same organisation.

      • geekcohen on 12/10/2023 - 05:50
        +5

        and how is that potentially going to be any different? Might be different people, but could be a business culture situation.

        • pharkurnell on 12/10/2023 - 10:02

          Depends on teh size of the business…
          Small business - no different

          50+ staff chances are you could work in different area.

          but i agree, I'd leave… not worth the destruction of your life.

  • hasher22 on 12/10/2023 - 00:11

    Your employer may have EAP (employee assistant program) and you can go to sessions which are anonymous and the business pays for each session.

    But your leave will be dependant on how long your doctor is willing to write you off.

  • capslock janitor on 12/10/2023 - 00:18

    ex boss didnt even want me to use leave, and forced my hand in resig so i just cashed out my accrued leave then left

    now im on "indefinite leave" taking my sweet ass time with other commitments after that, enjoy

    • niish150887 on 12/10/2023 - 00:19

      Can they even do this ? Did you see a doctor and provided them the medical certificate?

      • capslock janitor on 12/10/2023 - 00:21
        +1

        probably not. but it was my first proper job and i was inexperienced. dont let them trample you

        • capslock janitor on 12/10/2023 - 00:21

          and the catch is— never work that deep for extended family//friend again… big relief getting away from that deteriorating office

      • capslock janitor on 12/10/2023 - 00:32

        and yes taken full day medical certs&personal leave, but would still be on call, sometimes go back to workplace after dr appts too

  • SmiTTy on 12/10/2023 - 00:28
    +2

    U take as long as you need

    If u have unlimited sick leave, then not really an issue. But otherwise u could claim workers comp

  • pufffdragon on 12/10/2023 - 00:56
    +1

    You don't work at Coles by any chance do you?

    • jv on 12/10/2023 - 00:58
      +1

      What's wrong with cleaning vomit ?

  • jv on 12/10/2023 - 01:00
    +1

    Don't stay home and watch the news.

    That won't cheer you up…

  • mskeggs on 12/10/2023 - 07:03
    +5

    You should prioritise your well-being and not return until the situation is resolved or you feel ready to cope with it.
    I think you should consider working in another organisation, and actively taking control of your situation. HR is not your friend, and they won’t make your best interests their priority. You will feel better able to handle future adversity if you are solving this problem, and that can include removing yourself from what has become a bad job.

    • peteru on 12/10/2023 - 22:44

      Solid advice there…

      I'd like to emphasise the statement that "HR is not your friend"

      Quite the contrary - their mission is to get employees that don't "fit" out the door with the minimum $ impact to the bottom line of the business. If there is any sign of sympathy or willingness to accommodate your needs, it will just be ass-covering in disguise, to make sure that if you decide to sue them later, they have something to point at and say "we tried".

  • haroldmac on 12/10/2023 - 07:11
    +1

    In Vic, I would be looking to lodge a work cover claim. What state are you in? It could be a workplace injury, if what you are saying is right

  • EightImmortals on 12/10/2023 - 07:35

    "due to workplace bullying"

    Details?

      • EightImmortals on 12/10/2023 - 07:59
        +1

        Thanks.

        "my direct manager and his manager who is a General Manager have been literally harassing me every single day "

        So how have they been harassing OP? Could be lots of things. I now people in management roles who get accused of 'harassing' people just for asking them to do their jobs. Not saying that's the case here, just curious as to what entails 'harassment' these days.

        • Danstar on 12/10/2023 - 08:18
          +2

          ^^

          Some times people just get found out that they’re not doing a very good job; and when the pressure starts to come on them to actually do their job well. They put it down to being harassed ..

          (Not saying that this is the case here, but we are only hearing one side)

        • Protractor on 12/10/2023 - 10:41

          Than go back and trawl through the original thread, for the details

          • Danstar on 12/10/2023 - 11:46
            -1

            @Protractor: I did; it's still only one side of the story…….

  • newjerseydamo on 12/10/2023 - 08:38
    +3

    You take as long as you need as sick leave, as long as your doctor keeps writing the medical certificate, especially since you said you have 9 months sick leave in the bank. If you don't feel well, you don't feel well, don't rush back.

  • stuffandthat on 12/10/2023 - 08:51
    +6

    Don't forget who HR really works for. Good luck.

  • cupcake on 12/10/2023 - 10:11
    +3

    Take stress leave for a month or six and then resign.
    In that time, find another job.

  • Protractor on 12/10/2023 - 10:39
    -3

    What did you your union rep say? If you didn't or haven't joined, (since the actual breaking point), or have not sought legal advice, then maybe you are more interested in money than justice.
    Forums are no substitute for proper support.Nor a reliable job provider network.

  • bobbified on 12/10/2023 - 10:42

    Time to get out of that place….. (but take a holiday on them first!)

  • UnemployedDeveloper on 12/10/2023 - 12:50

    Have you considered heavy doses of booze every night ?
    All the best

  • Toph Beifong on 13/10/2023 - 20:45

    I saw rampant workplace bullying when I joined a corporate multinational organisation, whats more it was done by a supervisor. Then on the company's intranet page they are all about happy and safe workplaces.

    My advice to you would be to get out of that toxic environment and find a new job.

  • steviewonder67 on 20/12/2023 - 19:44

    I have encountered bullying and/or sexual harassment on huge scale where I work

    I believe its called 'mobbing' where they spread unfounded or untruths about someone by word of mouth, without them getting the right of reply.

    I know its happening, and I think they know that I know its happening, but they don't care. Leadership and HR accept their version of denial.

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