Making a career is usually heavily dependent on being an employee. And as a worker, you have to find an employer who will value your contribution and respect your time. But there will be times when you will conflict with your employer. Some employees are not always keen on going against their employers, believing that their actions may be taken against them. This is not always a wise move, as you will inevitably end up losing more.
You have to be a smarter and tougher employee. Being too lax about your rights as a worker will eventually make you feel frustrated, especially when your employers start to mistreat you. Thankfully, there are many ways you can protect yourself. Some of them do not have to be complicated and difficult.
Below are some of the most important things that you need to do to protect yourself in the workplace.
Always refer to the contract and the handbook
Contracts and handbooks are the codified agreements, rules, and regulations. These are the documents that maintain the order in any organisation. More importantly, they cover your scope of work, limitations, duties, and obligations to the company. You have to read these documents as thoroughly as possible to know your rights and determine if the bosses are already abusing their powers. These will also be your go-to documents in case there are disputes in the workplace.
Get everything in writing
When you are dealing with the mishaps and faults of your colleagues and bosses, you have to make sure that your complaints are in written form. Just remembering the details will never be reliable. When furthering and strengthening your case, you need to have consistency and coherence. Getting everything in writing maintains the integrity of the details, thus helping you come up with a stronger case.
Keep copies of essential documents
As an employee, it is your right to look and inspect the documents that you have signed and the pertinent records about you that the company keeps. In case there are disputes regarding your performance, or you think you have been required to work on things you are not supposed to, you can request such documents. These include commendations, letters of endorsements, and paystubs.
Seek legal help
There may be times when the employers are unyielding despite being wrong. If this is your case, you need reinforcement. You will need someone who will help you uphold your rights. In this case, you have to find a good solicitor in London who is specialising in employment law. They will help you navigate the disputes and determine the next steps to take.
It is your goal to make a successful and fruitful career without any problem or derailing factors along the way. But there will be times and occasions when employers and even the colleagues do something unfavourable that jeopardises you and the career you have been working on so hard. To make sure that you will be able to work in peace, defend yourself harassers, and deal with abuse, you need to know how to defend yourself and fight back. Seek professional and legal help if necessary.
