Boss's prejudice may require action by group

Q: Our office manager continually takes aim at minorities and older employees. After we sent an anonymous complaint about her prejudiced behavior to the human resources manager, he put out a notice that only signed complaints would be investigated.

If we sign our names, we know there will be retaliation. This manager has a history of firing people who protest her heavy-handed tactics, and her boss wholeheartedly supports her. If human resources won't consider our complaint, what can we do?

A: You've described the eternal dilemma with workplace grievances. Accepting anonymous complaints encourages false or frivolous accusations. But requiring signatures risks reprisals and prevents bad behavior from being reported. Both approaches have drawbacks.

Although official investigations typically require a known complainant, any accusation alerts management to the existence of a possible problem. So your unsigned document may have done more good than you realize.

A face-to-face discussion will have even greater impact, so consider going to human resources as a group. If most people in the department share these concerns, the HR manager is more likely to take them seriously. Mass firings are unlikely, so group action reduces the odds of retaliation.

In the meeting, provide specific examples of how your boss's prejudicial actions have damaged morale, increased turnover or created other business problems. Because such discriminatory behavior could create legal liabilities for the company, the HR manager should appreciate being given a heads-up.

Q: I work for a large company and am attending night school to get a nursing degree. Going to school would be easier if I had a part-time position, but my company refuses to help me.

I believe management doesn't want to help me better myself because, once I get my nursing degree, I'll leave the company. I'm so confused that I'm thinking about quitting school.

A: For starters, you need a slightly more realistic attitude about what to expect from your employer. Your first priority may be school, but your employer's first priority is the work it is paying you to do.

Management doesn't owe you a part-time job just because it would make your life easier. And the bosses have no obligation to help you better yourself so you can move on to a different career.

Instead of requesting a job change, try asking for more schedule flexibility to meet your school requirements. If you have a good track record with this company and have been a pleasant, cooperative employee, the bosses may be willing to accommodate you.

But if not, don't give up. Although juggling work and school demands can be challenging, doing work that you truly love is worth the short-term sacrifice. When you have that degree in hand, you'll be glad you made the extra effort.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.