Working from home can be a real struggle, especially when you have an unsupportive remote boss. During difficult times, having a supportive network is more important than ever to make working from home less stressful. Here are some ideas for managing an unsupportive remote boss.
Table of Contents
Idea #1 – Talk to Your Boss or Manager about Your Concerns
The first step you should take if you feel your employer or manager isn’t being supportive is to talk to them. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s essential to communicate your concerns. If your boss or manager isn’t aware of how you’re feeling, they can’t do anything to help.
Make sure to communicate your concerns to your boss or manager in a respectful way. It is important to remember that they are likely under a lot of stress. Be clear about what you need from them and why it’s important to you.
It’s a good idea to write down what you want to say. Try and think of ways you feel they could be more supportive too. They may ask you what you’d like them to do or how they could help, so having a list available will be helpful.
If your boss or manager isn’t receptive to your concerns, it may be time to look for a new job. Working from home can be challenging enough without dealing with an unsupportive employer or manager.
Recommended Reading:
Idea #2 – Talk with the Human Resources Department About Your Unsupportive Remote Boss
The next step you should take is to talk with your HR department. If you feel like you’re not getting the support you need from your employer or manager, it’s vital to let HR know.
They may be able to help mediate the situation between you and your boss or manager. If they can’t, they may be able to help you find a new job within the company that is more supportive.
It’s important to remember that HR is there to help you. They are not your enemy. Talking with them can be difficult, but it may be the best thing for you in the long run.
Recommended Reading:
Idea #3 – Find a Supportive Community or Network
One of the best ways to cope with working from home and not having supportive employers or managers is to find a supportive community or network. There are likely others in your situation who understand what you’re going through.
There are many online communities and forums you can join. You can also look for in-person meetups or groups. This can be a great way to find support and advice from others going through the same thing. You may also want to consider talking to a therapist. They can help you manage your stress and anxiety.
Recommended Reading:
Idea #4 – Team up with Other Co-Workers
If you don’t get anywhere after talking to your boss or manager or HR, it may be time to team up with other co-workers. This can be a difficult decision to make, but it may be the best thing for you. Chances are, they are being treated in the same manner.
You can talk to your co-workers about your concerns and see if they’re willing to speak up with you. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this. Many people are dealing with the same thing. You may be able to make a difference by speaking up together.
There is a lot of power in numbers. So, if your boss or manager knows that you’re not the only unhappy person, they may be more likely to listen.
Idea #5 – Make a Formal Complaint with the Department of Labor
If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still not getting the support you need, it may be time to make a formal complaint with the Department of Labor. This is the last resort, but it may be necessary.
You can file a complaint with the Department of Labor if you feel like you’re not being paid fairly, you’re being harassed, or you’re not being given proper breaks.
This is a serious decision, but it may be the only way to get the support you need. If you decide to go this route, document everything that has been going on. This will be helpful when you file your complaint.
Idea #6 – Search for a New Job
Even though many of us transitioned to working from home during the pandemic, now that we’re back to mostly normal times, do you want to continue to work for an employer or manager who isn’t supportive? It may be time to start searching for a new job. There are plenty of employers who would love to have you on their team. And, when you find the right fit, you’ll be much happier and more productive.
In the meantime, try to build a support system outside of work. Spend time with friends and family members who make you feel good about yourself. Doing so will help you to weather the storm until you can make a change.
The Bottom Line
Working from home can be challenging enough without dealing with an unsupportive remote boss. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to take steps to protect your mental health.
Remember, the current situation is temporary, and plenty of employers out there would love to have you on their team. Hang in there and make a change when the time is right. Life is too short to spend it working for someone who doesn’t appreciate you.
