Legal Question in Employment Law in Texas

Undue Stress at the workplace

Recently my supervisor has been very demanding about my work. I've tried to accomodate and work harder, but it doesn't seem to be enough. He often plays ''devil's advocate'' and argues with me on everything. In several instances I've proven my point as being the most right, yet he still argues. Often, I've had problems with going home angry with how he treats me. Many times, he will tell me that my work is not good enough and instead of pulling me aside to explain where he believes I am falling short, he berates me in front of other employees.

The other employees in my department are not treated this way and I believe that he may have a personal vendetta against me. I continue to work, and do my job. Obviously if I were not meeting standards I'd have been fired a long time ago. So, my work must be somewhat satisfactory.

My question is: At what point is too much stress, too much? Where does the law come to my aide?


Asked on 12/24/03, 12:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Evans Mathis & Donheiser

Re: Undue Stress at the workplace

You do not have any legal recourse unless his actions are directed at you because of your age, race, gender, etc. A good test is realistically to assess if there are other people who are your same sex, national origin, similar age, etc. who are not treated as badly as you believe you are. If there are, then you are probably right that it is personal. Undrstandably, you do not have any legal rights not to be told to work harder, nor to be protected from demands that you perform better, nor even not to be berated in front of other employees. Your only recourse is to sit down with your supervisor and work this out, or go to HR or above his head and see if you can get it resolved. Alternatively, look for other work where the atmosphere is more to your liking.

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Answered on 12/24/03, 1:34 pm


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