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Tough Times Turn Mean Bosses Even Meaner

Workers fear losing jobs, take abuse

By Michael Foreman, Newser User

Posted Aug 9, 2008 9:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – If your boss was a jerk before the economy went south, chances are things have gotten worse. “Employers are definitely getting meaner,” the editor of one career blog tells MSNBC. Knowing that employees may be fearful about leaving in an uncertain job market, the worst managers are pressuring employees to do the work of two people without extra pay, giving people grief for taking time off, and doling out negative reviews.

Pressures often start at the top and roll downhill to the rank and file. But one expert argues that bosses' bad behavior tends to be counterproductive. "The meaner they get, the more the team shuts down and the less they are able to perform.” Worried employees should request a private meeting to discuss concerns, or talk to someone higher up.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

The poor economy may be driving some employers to abuse their power. (Shutterstock)

Overworked employees fear facing a lackluster job market. (Flickr)

A bad economy can bring out the worst in a boss., as the crew of "Office Space" knows well. (20th Century Fox)

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He has no problem reminding me or anyone else that the economy is bad, we are losing clients, the job market is awful, hint-hint. - Communications employee 'Mike' on employer abuse

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Tough Times Turn Mean Bosses Even Meaner