Verbal Abuse, Harassment and POSH - What are the ways to stop the CEO abusing his employees including HR?

What are the ways to stop the CEO from abusing his employees, including HR? What are the legal compliances one can have against such circumstances?

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To address the issue of a CEO abusing employees, especially with involvement from HR, several steps can be taken. Firstly, it is crucial to establish clear policies and procedures within the organization that prohibit any form of abuse or harassment. HR departments should ensure that employees are aware of these policies and provide them with avenues to report any misconduct confidentially.

Additionally, regular training sessions on respectful workplace behavior and the importance of maintaining a positive work culture should be conducted for all employees, including senior management. This can help in preventing instances of abuse and creating a more respectful and supportive work environment.

Furthermore, HR should have a robust reporting and investigation process in place to handle any complaints of abuse promptly and effectively. Employees should feel safe and supported when coming forward with any concerns, and investigations should be conducted impartially to ensure justice for all parties involved.

Regarding legal compliances, organizations must adhere to relevant employment laws and regulations that protect employees from any form of abuse or harassment in the workplace. This includes but is not limited to, laws related to discrimination, harassment, and workplace safety. Employers who fail to comply with these legal requirements can face severe consequences, including legal action and financial penalties.

In conclusion, preventing CEO abuse towards employees requires a proactive approach from both HR and senior management, along with strict adherence to legal compliances to ensure a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.

Dear Vidhi Sadh,

I can understand your position. Working under an abusive boss is terrible. People are caught in a rock and hard place. On the one hand, because of the financial situation, they cannot quit their employment. But they cannot put up with the boss who torments them mentally.

So what is the way out? You have sought a legal remedy. However, before embarking on a legal remedy, will it be possible for all the employees to come together and give a collective submission to the MD of the company? Anyway, If MD is also a CEO, then this formula will not work. If the MD is a different person, even then also this formula may not work because the abusive CEO knows very well that he enjoys immunity from the MD.

Therefore, the best way is to quit employment. I know it is easier said than done. However, insults could be impacting your mental health. You need to take care of that also.

In the meanwhile, develop a carefree attitude. Abuse at someone's hand does not lower your value. It remains intact. Without putting yourself down, look at the future. Today you could be passing through a dark tunnel does not mean you do not have a bright future. Learn new skills, learn something new, and prepare yourself for a better job!

Lastly, in the heading of your post, you have written "POSH". What do you mean by that term?

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

During the long career, one invariably has to face such characters, and it is an everyday nightmare until it lasts. They suffer from 'I am OK, you are not OK' (to lend the phraseology of the famous Eric Berne). Try to analyze the CEO's approach. Is he generally abusive towards everyone, and is this his normal reaction? Such people are hard to deal with as they are so habituated to using typical abuses, which come out of them so naturally and easily. They don't mean what they say, making it next to impossible to change them, particularly for a subordinate.

The next type is those who use strong abuses selectively to show displeasure. When irritated or losing their temper, they shout vulgar abuses without caring for others. One approach is to avoid provoking such people. If by any chance one is caught in this situation, leave the place immediately and return only after tempers cool down. This situation can be improved, especially when addressed by superiors. What Dinesh Sir has said applies here, and you can try that approach.

The next category is those who normally use polite language but in extreme situations, use very harsh abusive words. Such people can be impressed upon to be sensitive to others.

Having had to deal with all three types of bosses at some point or another, I would advise you to take stock of things and make a considered decision on how you are going to deal with the CEO. Also, consider how long the ordeal will last.

Problem with Abusive CEO

1. Is he abusive with all or with some?
2. If he is abusive with all, then all should come together and make a representation to the CEO. That is effective.
3. If he is abusive with some, then each one should understand that they are employees of the company and not of the CEO. Hence, they should work in the interest of the company. If the CEO abuses over an issue in which you have acted in the interest of the company, you should be firm in your decision and not obey what the CEO says. In many organizations, including government and semi-government, there is a rule that a subordinate need not follow the illegal instructions of a superior. It does not amount to disobedience. But you must be confident that your action is right and in the interest of the company. Many times, lack of confidence leads to the continuation of this abusive language.
4. Maintain a diary while discussing with the CEO and record for yourself the proceedings in a short, date-wise manner. The CEO cannot object to this, but it will make him conscious and more careful.
Try this and you will get results. Otherwise, it is better to seek another employment.

Vibhakar Ramtirthkar.