Rankism: Bullying someone of a lower rank at work

In order to protect employees from abuse by higher-ranked supervisors and managers, the Human Rights Code would have to change. And in order for that to happen, elected officials in each region would have to promote the issue.

The first step to recognizing rankism as a social problem, Fuller believes, is giving it a name. Sexism and racism went through the same processes before they were finally recognized as abusive, debilitating and unacceptable behaviours.

The growing Dignitarian Movement, a fairly large movement in the U.S. started about five years ago and gaining popularity in Canada, promotes that everyone has a purpose and a right to fulfill that purpose within a fair and supportive working environment. People in lower positions of rank have important jobs to do, and in their capacity as support staff, they enable those in higher positions to perform their roles more effectively.

Unfortunately, not everyone has this enlightened outlook. If you feel that you are a victim of bullying, unfair treatment or harassment because of your lower rank on the employment totem pole, start looking for a new job. If there is a Human Resources person associated with your office, report the abusive behaviour so that the complaint is on record. Should you require employment insurance benefits, you will be asked to provide verification that you had no other recourse but to quit. If there is no HR department at your office, consider getting a note from your doctor. Once you have broken out of that suffocating, stressful atmosphere and found a position in which you are treated fairly, you will be able to thrive and grow as an employee and a person.


Read more:
10 important things to know before you change careers
How to keep your boss happy - and get ahead
Jobs for stay-at-home parents

Page 2 of 2