Employee claims "stress" environment
SLPaulson
21 Posts
I have an employee who feels the working environment has become stressful. She has asked us to lay her off so she can find another job, with a severance package. She stated she would sign an agreement not to seek legal advise if we gave her a severance package. If we don't she states she knows her rights and will seek legal council. (I resent being held hostage by a threatening employee. We do not give severance packages, just because.) I just received an e-mail from her and she has made an appointment to see her doctor for "stress." She is an assistant to one of our sales manager (who has a strong (ugly) "ole boy" personality.) We rehired a former employee in the Department who can "handle the ole boy" and has somewhat of an "attitude" herself (I had personality conflict problems with her and other employees when she was employed with us before and strongly insisted she not be rehired, but the owners went ahead and hired her back.) Since she has been rehired, she has resumed a role of "importance" and pretty much pushed the stressful employee out of her position. I have talked with the Manager and he has talked with the employees involved. Now I am not sure of the employees direction, "stress" related - worker's comp, hostile environment or money and "I'll go away!" Any help, suggestions, information would be welcomed.
Comments
I don't know if it would "shoot you in the foot" to ask her if she is saying she is "stressed out" because of work or because of other things, so you will know how to handle it. You may want to talk with your w/c carrier about this as well.
I agree that being "dictated to" by an employee is not a good thing. It also sounds as if she has been put in a position that she has to "look over her shoulder" all the time due to the other 'rehired" employee. Therefore, she may be feeling somewhat inadequate. I don't know personal situation but maybe sne wants to quit but scared to quit without another job, which puts more stress on her. Therefore, she is blaming it all on work and wants you to take care of her. Would a couple of weeks of severance be worth getting rid of her? However, I wouldn't lay her off and then replace her (number wise.) Should make sure that really overstaffed and you could do without her. Good Luck. (Maybe, in your spare time, you need to get out there and find her another job and she will quit to take it!)
E Wart
Hopefully you've interviewed the other employees with whom she had to work. They may provide a lot more insight. I gather from her treatment and statements to you that she was probably a big part of the problems in the first place.
I would be tempted to go ahead and lay her off, (or accept her verval resignation) but with no severance package. She may find a reason to sue no matter what you do.
You are in California, lol, you are screwed.
My $0.02 worth.
DJ The Balloonman
This was my first time to use the forum, although I go in and read your responses to related issues, I appreciate your quick and helpful responses.
That is harsh, but so is what she is proposing. "I will go away if you pay me," seems to be way over the top.