The Weight We Carried: The Case of the Case Manager
www.endworkplaceabuse.com
Every Thursday, we share real stories from people who’ve endured abuse, manipulation, and injustice in the workplace. These accounts are anonymous, but their emotional truth is unmistakable. This series exists to give voice to what was silenced — and to remind every reader: you’re not alone.
I worked as a case management coordinator at a residential facility under a non-profit organization. My primary responsibilities included overseeing the care and management of residents, ensuring their needs were met, and supporting their transition to stable housing.
The bullying began with unprofessional behavior and discriminatory actions by my coworkers, X, Y, Z. Initially, I noticed favoritism and exclusion from important conversations and decisions. The tactics escalated to false accusations, such as claims that I detained participants without authorization. This bullying intensified, creating a hostile work environment where I felt unsafe and constantly anxious about losing my job without any fault of my own.
Despite reporting these issues through the company’s open-door policy to HR and the CEO, the response was inadequate. The CEO insisted on following the hierarchy, redirecting me to HR, which delayed the investigation and failed to provide immediate support. When I expressed fear and anxiety about returning to work, I was initially told to use PTO or sick time.
Eventually, I was placed on paid administrative leave for three days. During a very brief meeting with HR, I was informed of my termination based on false allegations of unprofessionalism and unauthorized actions, demonstrating their failure to address the bullying appropriately.
Discrimination and bias were significant factors in the bullying. As a white woman, with a disability pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a concentration in human services, I was marginalized and treated unfairly compared to my colleagues. The bias was evident in the differential treatment, where the coworker causing the hostility was paid to take time off for a different claim of workplace conditions, while I was denied similar support. This biased treatment not only affected my mental health but also hindered my professional growth.
The bullying had severe impacts on my mental health, causing constant anxiety and fear. It also affected my family, and friends who witnessed my distress and the strain on my well-being. Professionally, the hostile environment disrupted my career progression and undermined my confidence in the field of human services.
To fight back against workplace bullying, I am sharing my story with your non-profit organization advocating for policy changes. I believe in the importance of creating a safe and supportive workplace for all employees, free from hostility and discrimination.
Legislation addressing workplace bullying is crucial to protect employees from psychological harm and unfair treatment. It ensures accountability and promotes a healthy work environment. Personally, such legislation would have provided the protection I needed and held my employer accountable for their actions.
For those dealing with workplace bullying, it is essential to document all incidents meticulously and report them through the appropriate channels. Seek support from trusted colleagues, mental health professionals, and legal advisors. Remember, you have the right to a safe and respectful workplace, and standing up against bullying is vital for creating positive change.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY
Email your story for anonymous posting to info@endworkplaceabuse.com in 1-2 pages with your applicable demographic information if you are comfortable sharing (race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, immigration status, age, etc.):
Where did you work and what did you do?
How did the bullying begin?
What tactics were used?
How did you feel?
How did it escalate?
How did your employer react (or not react)?
What was the impact on you?
What was the impact on the organization?
What advice do you have for others going through bullying at work?