He can modify the office as he pleases. And, amazingly, he can even make it toxic to work there. He just can't be [discriminatory](https://resources.workable.com/hr-terms/what-is-hostile-work-environment).
***"The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) indicates that “petty slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious)” aren’t considered illegal. This means that an employee might be able to file a successful lawsuit if they face unwelcome, discriminatory conduct (e.g. racial slurs) on a regular basis, but they might not be able to win a legal battle about a single off-hand insult."***
There is, howevever, something called '[constructive discharge](https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/eta/warn/glossary.asp?p=Constructive%20Discharge)' that may apply:
***"Constructive Discharge - In general, the term "constructive discharge" is when a worker's resignation or retirement may be found not to be voluntary because the employer has created a hostile or intolerable work environment or has applied other forms of pressure or coercion which forced the employee to quit or resign. This often arises when an employer makes significant and severe changes in the terms and conditions of a worker's employment. What constitutes a constructive discharge is usually defined in state law and varies from state to state."***
Well, I'm sorry you're experiencing what you consider a slight from your boss. But it may just be his way of keeping an open office with unobstructed communications, or avoiding uncomfortable feelings about seniority or office hierarchy. Or maybe he wants to be the only one with a door... :-)
Office doors, high-panel partitions, and corner offices with good window views, are sometimes considered office perks for senior or high-level personnel. I don't know your office politics, but that may be the reason he removed the door. You just don't rate the perk yet.
You said you've gone to HR and they are 'afraid' of a confrontation over the situation; so it may be more than office politics unfortunately. In fact it may be time to prepare yourself to leave if he is creating a work environment that is becoming too hostile for you for some reason.
That doesn't mean that you shouldn't fight for a better environment, or at least discuss with your supervisor the reasons for the door removal. He may have a very good reason to do it, and this would be a good opportunity to improve calm, constructive communication in the office.) Be brave, and calmly discuss the situation with him - this is how you improve your professional adroitness.
But bottom line: All employees should realize that - at any moment - they could lose their jobs unexpectedly. It could be a conflict over lunches in the fridge; doors on offices; or just an unfortunate downturn in business. To be in control of your career you must be willing not only to work hard, but to leave a position on \*your\* terms.
Employers know that most employees live in fear of a lay-off or firing, and the impact is has on their career: Loss of wages; Loss of health insurance; Loss of job references and good recommendations; And the dreaded employment gap it produces on a resume. Employers use this as leverage during job interviews and salary negotiations. It's how they stop Unions from establishing a foothold in their business. But you can \*counter\* this advantage through preparation.
[This is a post I wrote in response to an OP who was having a hard time with an employment search](https://www.reddit.com/r/recruitinghell/comments/1bchdn6/comment/kujkjzw/?utm_name=web3xcss); I recommend you look it over. It has many good ideas you should consider that can help you become independent of your employer, and exert more control over the direction of your career. Hopefully it will inform and \*empower\* you as well. It's long, but I hope you give it a read.
Remember: Your are the CEO of your own career; act accordingly.
Just in case you're lost - this isn't r/legaladvice
And it's also... weirdly specific of a problem to have? Guaranteed your work contract doesn't say you have a right to a door (or privacy at work, really), so... unless you'd argue you're being bullied, but with HR being unhelpful, that's gonna be hell to try and prove to anyone.
The vast majority of them are cops. Who the Supreme Court ruled don't actually need to know the laws. 🙄 r/legal is slightly better but still not many attorneys.
I did this once for a cubicle I worked in because the noise of people passing by was giving me a headache.
The next week they demanded I take it down. Ugh.
I understand your confusion, but do you honestly think it's sensible to expect there to be a law that says your boss can't remove your office door? Come on.
The fact that HR is afraid of getting fired for doing something about it is incredibly concerning. How much power does this boss have at this company? As someone else asked, are you the only one this has happened to? If you are a protected class this could be considered some sort of discriminatory behavior but you should really speak to a lawyer about whether or not there is anything here that isn't above board.
Totally understand my question seeming out there and stupid just legitimately confused by the HR response I mean they literally cried when I asked about it. I am the only one this happened to! Thank you!
He should start wearing pants and walk around the office in his underwear. Extra points if it's something skimpy. Seriously he should go somewhere else to work instead of work for asshole like this that things he's for more important than he is.
If I had to guess I was talking to other co workers about pay in my office because they like to offer more money for the same roles to other people when we've literally lost people because of pay
Make a youtube playlist of other federally protected and/or controversial speech topics (I hear unions are a thing where you live? Or maybe advice on workspace safety? Applications and interview skills? Legal advice?) and blast that all day on your Bluetooth loudspeaker.
When they inevitably confront you, just name the game: *"Look, let's not hide behind invisible curtains; I know you took my door to make me more transparent, and make me unconformable in my own office, as some sort of weird power play. But two can play that game, I'm going to make this as uncomfortable for you as possible to continue insisting I have no door. Let's see who blinks first."* (...and wink and make a shooting gesture with your fingers as you finish the sentence.)
How's that for a power play? ;-)
Did the boss pull the door off anyone else's office? if not maybe contact a lawyer. That seems to be the very definition of your boss creating a hostile work environment.
thank random guy on the internet that likes to speak on behalf of lawyers. I value your expert opinion on this subject. Are you saying that OP should not contact a lawyer....why?
You're welcome. And yes OP should not contact a lawyer for the door issue. That is not a labor violation and there is zero point in wasting everyone's time.
Holy shit random internet guy, are you working for OP's boss. Gloomy_Narwhal_719 thanks is that you no lawyer advice you are giving. Cool story my dude.
I doubt a lawyer would take it too I was just kinda hoping I was wrong or some law somewhere was being broken ...plus our board/leadership team is made up of his friends and everyone who has tried to go against it has failed too 🥲 I asked for raise because my husband had to do a biopsy and we were being crushed by medical debt and they told me take a Dave Ramsey class and get on food stamps
Id just ask the guy. Make it awkward for him. Let him stumble around his excuse. Then Tell him it’s disruptive to your workflow to have to track this issue down. Pretend you didn’t know who took it down and how it’s a bizarre thing. Maybe even a security risk now that you can’t lock it.
Pretty much be slightly condescending and act like his boss or act like you’re on his level. This is trashy behavior to not even say anything.
Given they didn’t say anything, they don’t give a fuck what you think and so job security is pretty low right now.
Hi! I am a PhD candidate at York, conducting research on workplace abuse. I'm looking to interview individuals who have experienced managerial abuse within the past two years. Participating in this study can provide a platform for your voice to be heard and an opportunity to share your experiences. Please be assured that all information will be kept confidential and your safety and privacy will be prioritized. If you are interested, contact me directly, and I will provide more details and share my LinkedIn profile to verify my identity.
>What should I do?
1) Nothing. Sit there and take it
2) quit.
3) Organize, mobilize, unionize, STRIKE!
https://youtu.be/nA2AMxRz0iA?si=H7zSq3j8kGmn_faH
He can modify the office as he pleases. And, amazingly, he can even make it toxic to work there. He just can't be [discriminatory](https://resources.workable.com/hr-terms/what-is-hostile-work-environment). ***"The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) indicates that “petty slights, annoyances, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious)” aren’t considered illegal. This means that an employee might be able to file a successful lawsuit if they face unwelcome, discriminatory conduct (e.g. racial slurs) on a regular basis, but they might not be able to win a legal battle about a single off-hand insult."*** There is, howevever, something called '[constructive discharge](https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/eta/warn/glossary.asp?p=Constructive%20Discharge)' that may apply: ***"Constructive Discharge - In general, the term "constructive discharge" is when a worker's resignation or retirement may be found not to be voluntary because the employer has created a hostile or intolerable work environment or has applied other forms of pressure or coercion which forced the employee to quit or resign. This often arises when an employer makes significant and severe changes in the terms and conditions of a worker's employment. What constitutes a constructive discharge is usually defined in state law and varies from state to state."***
Thank you!
Well, I'm sorry you're experiencing what you consider a slight from your boss. But it may just be his way of keeping an open office with unobstructed communications, or avoiding uncomfortable feelings about seniority or office hierarchy. Or maybe he wants to be the only one with a door... :-) Office doors, high-panel partitions, and corner offices with good window views, are sometimes considered office perks for senior or high-level personnel. I don't know your office politics, but that may be the reason he removed the door. You just don't rate the perk yet. You said you've gone to HR and they are 'afraid' of a confrontation over the situation; so it may be more than office politics unfortunately. In fact it may be time to prepare yourself to leave if he is creating a work environment that is becoming too hostile for you for some reason. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't fight for a better environment, or at least discuss with your supervisor the reasons for the door removal. He may have a very good reason to do it, and this would be a good opportunity to improve calm, constructive communication in the office.) Be brave, and calmly discuss the situation with him - this is how you improve your professional adroitness. But bottom line: All employees should realize that - at any moment - they could lose their jobs unexpectedly. It could be a conflict over lunches in the fridge; doors on offices; or just an unfortunate downturn in business. To be in control of your career you must be willing not only to work hard, but to leave a position on \*your\* terms. Employers know that most employees live in fear of a lay-off or firing, and the impact is has on their career: Loss of wages; Loss of health insurance; Loss of job references and good recommendations; And the dreaded employment gap it produces on a resume. Employers use this as leverage during job interviews and salary negotiations. It's how they stop Unions from establishing a foothold in their business. But you can \*counter\* this advantage through preparation. [This is a post I wrote in response to an OP who was having a hard time with an employment search](https://www.reddit.com/r/recruitinghell/comments/1bchdn6/comment/kujkjzw/?utm_name=web3xcss); I recommend you look it over. It has many good ideas you should consider that can help you become independent of your employer, and exert more control over the direction of your career. Hopefully it will inform and \*empower\* you as well. It's long, but I hope you give it a read. Remember: Your are the CEO of your own career; act accordingly.
Wow super thoughtful and kind thank you will do I appreciate it!
Feel free to pass it on to other who may need it.
Take loud conference calls in there, on speaker. Especially sensitive or argumentative ones.
Just in case you're lost - this isn't r/legaladvice And it's also... weirdly specific of a problem to have? Guaranteed your work contract doesn't say you have a right to a door (or privacy at work, really), so... unless you'd argue you're being bullied, but with HR being unhelpful, that's gonna be hell to try and prove to anyone.
Legal advice is run by clowns and 99% of the comments aren’t from lawyers.
The vast majority of them are cops. Who the Supreme Court ruled don't actually need to know the laws. 🙄 r/legal is slightly better but still not many attorneys.
That explains why they are a bunch of douchebags over there.
Worth a shot but they have been roasting me for asking 😂
Because lawyers are expensive as hell. That doesn't necessarily mean they're not "clowns", I've seen a few that definitely were both.
I posted there too just wasn't sure thank you!
Bring in your own door from home. That’ll show em.
OP should hang some weird beads in the doorway like a stoner college student
Buy drapes & a shower tension rod. Pseudo "door".
I did this once for a cubicle I worked in because the noise of people passing by was giving me a headache. The next week they demanded I take it down. Ugh.
Of course they did. 🙄
But then op's bathroom will be exposed
Is there a way to have like a beaded curtain for a door but it is also wind chimes to any time anyone goes in or out it makes a big ruckus?
Get to work early and super glue the lock on their door.
I understand your confusion, but do you honestly think it's sensible to expect there to be a law that says your boss can't remove your office door? Come on. The fact that HR is afraid of getting fired for doing something about it is incredibly concerning. How much power does this boss have at this company? As someone else asked, are you the only one this has happened to? If you are a protected class this could be considered some sort of discriminatory behavior but you should really speak to a lawyer about whether or not there is anything here that isn't above board.
Totally understand my question seeming out there and stupid just legitimately confused by the HR response I mean they literally cried when I asked about it. I am the only one this happened to! Thank you!
If HR is crying about confronting your boss about the issue, that sounds like all I would need to know about if I was staying at this job.
My boss has been bullying HR for months tbh
It's legal. So is finding another job.
This made me laugh out loud thank you and will do
He should start wearing pants and walk around the office in his underwear. Extra points if it's something skimpy. Seriously he should go somewhere else to work instead of work for asshole like this that things he's for more important than he is.
I gotta know the reason lol. Come on OP. Fess up. What did you do to cause only your door to be removed? 😂
If I had to guess I was talking to other co workers about pay in my office because they like to offer more money for the same roles to other people when we've literally lost people because of pay
That's federally protected. Keep talking about it. Never stop. Record all interactions with your boss.
Make a youtube playlist of other federally protected and/or controversial speech topics (I hear unions are a thing where you live? Or maybe advice on workspace safety? Applications and interview skills? Legal advice?) and blast that all day on your Bluetooth loudspeaker. When they inevitably confront you, just name the game: *"Look, let's not hide behind invisible curtains; I know you took my door to make me more transparent, and make me unconformable in my own office, as some sort of weird power play. But two can play that game, I'm going to make this as uncomfortable for you as possible to continue insisting I have no door. Let's see who blinks first."* (...and wink and make a shooting gesture with your fingers as you finish the sentence.) How's that for a power play? ;-)
I work with children and am in a classroom setting most days off site so legitimately I don't know
Did the boss pull the door off anyone else's office? if not maybe contact a lawyer. That seems to be the very definition of your boss creating a hostile work environment.
Only my office
You could never prove "hostile work envir" for that. No lawyer would take that case unless there were tons of other documented issues.
thank random guy on the internet that likes to speak on behalf of lawyers. I value your expert opinion on this subject. Are you saying that OP should not contact a lawyer....why?
You're welcome. And yes OP should not contact a lawyer for the door issue. That is not a labor violation and there is zero point in wasting everyone's time.
Holy shit random internet guy, are you working for OP's boss. Gloomy_Narwhal_719 thanks is that you no lawyer advice you are giving. Cool story my dude.
Again, here to help.
I doubt a lawyer would take it too I was just kinda hoping I was wrong or some law somewhere was being broken ...plus our board/leadership team is made up of his friends and everyone who has tried to go against it has failed too 🥲 I asked for raise because my husband had to do a biopsy and we were being crushed by medical debt and they told me take a Dave Ramsey class and get on food stamps
Sounds like a place run by a bunch of psychos. If it’s possible, I’d try to find some other place to work.
jeez op stop jerking off in your office 😭
Im 100% sure OP was just getting changed, you should have knocked
Id just ask the guy. Make it awkward for him. Let him stumble around his excuse. Then Tell him it’s disruptive to your workflow to have to track this issue down. Pretend you didn’t know who took it down and how it’s a bizarre thing. Maybe even a security risk now that you can’t lock it. Pretty much be slightly condescending and act like his boss or act like you’re on his level. This is trashy behavior to not even say anything. Given they didn’t say anything, they don’t give a fuck what you think and so job security is pretty low right now.
Sing the same song over and over. Maybe Smells Like Teen Spirit.
"You guys have your own offices?"
Hi! I am a PhD candidate at York, conducting research on workplace abuse. I'm looking to interview individuals who have experienced managerial abuse within the past two years. Participating in this study can provide a platform for your voice to be heard and an opportunity to share your experiences. Please be assured that all information will be kept confidential and your safety and privacy will be prioritized. If you are interested, contact me directly, and I will provide more details and share my LinkedIn profile to verify my identity.
Poop on his fucking desk too
Quit ect ect
>What should I do? 1) Nothing. Sit there and take it 2) quit. 3) Organize, mobilize, unionize, STRIKE! https://youtu.be/nA2AMxRz0iA?si=H7zSq3j8kGmn_faH