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More often than not, people who work as subordinates have endured the screams, shouts, and humiliating attitudes (Deciphering Workplace Conduct) of their superiors on at least one occasion. But why do bosses, managers, and supervisors yell in the first place? From a psychological perspective, yelling in the workplace is a means of gaining control, intimidation, and asserting dominance.
Yelling at work can be considered harassment if intended to intimidate, belittle, or humiliate the victim. It can also be considered harassment if it is based on protected characteristics, such as race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. If you believe you are being harassed, you should document the incidents and report them to the HR department.
Is It Okay to Be Yelled at in the Workplace?
We must clarify that “getting yelled at” at work refers to aggressive, targeted shouting done to assert dominance over a person and negatively affect them psychologically.
Loud work environments (such as kitchens, factories, building sites, etc.) where shouting might be necessary for proper communication are excluded from this article. From what common sense and decency dictate, it is hard to imagine anyone enjoying a confrontation with a coworker or a superior that escalates to uncontrollable yelling and shouts.
Here is a quick checklist that can direct you and help you decide for yourself if the yelling that is being experienced is indeed verbal abuse:
- Fuelled by hate – Based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.
- Targeted – A specific person is being yelled at and targeted.
- Done regularly – The behavior continues with regularity.
- Detrimental – The yelling is psychologically damaging to the person who is being yelled at.
A single instance of yelling when a person is in severe distress is technically not illegal. Your boss’s aggression towards you can indicate that they see you as a threat.
However, companies and organizations with policies and cultures centered around well-being and clear communication will not tolerate such behavior and will take immediate action.
Is Your Boss Allowed to Yell at You?
Is your boss’s yelling considered harassment? Again, it will be considered harassment if it matches the legal definition in your state or country. Technically, there is no legal prohibition against bosses yelling at their employees. What matters is the circumstances around the situation. For example, it may be discriminatory and insensitive if your boss is yelling only at women, African Americans, or people with disabilities.
If you describe your boss’s behavior as “unethical,” you should consider them a threat to your entire organization. Lots of yelling and aggression by superiors and coworkers are sure signs of a toxic work environment. In addition to checking state and local labor laws, you will also want to consult your company’s specific workplace policy manuals.
The researchers of the Ethical Leadership study found strong evidence that being a “horrible boss” can have horrible effects within an organization. According to Rebecca Greenbaum, a Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations professor, no supporting evidence exists that being a “tough boss” leads to improved performance and better results.
Can You Sue Your Boss for Yelling at You?
If the yelling is part of continuous abusive or discriminatory behavior, you can make a case against your boss after consulting local laws and regulations. It would be best to consider what evidence or witnesses you have that would help you win the case in court.
If a boss is confident enough to scream and be abusive, then they likely feel very protected and secure in their position, knowing there is not much that the employees can do except leave. This is a typical sign of a toxic work environment where those in positions of power prey on the vulnerable.
Changing companies as soon as possible would be best if you are in such a position and don’t have concrete evidence against your morally corrupt boss. It’s not worth wasting your time, money, and energy.
In case you decide to take legal action against your boss and maximize your chances of winning the case:
- Keep a detailed record of each instance of yelling, including dates, times, witnesses, and any offensive or discriminatory language used
- Follow your company’s internal grievance procedure and report the incidents to your supervisor, HR department, or designated personnel.
- File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Obtain a Notice of Right to Sue from the EEOC, which will allow you to proceed with a lawsuit in federal or state court
- Seek the assistance of an employment lawyer who specializes in workplace harassment cases and can help you build a strong case
Can Someone Get Fired for Yelling at a Coworker?
In this case, you must consider the company’s internal policy, ethics, and culture. A single instance of yelling where a person has completely lost their good senses in severe distress might be tolerated and forgiven. A supervisor might be asked to handle the situation, or you can contact HR.
In any case, the person who shouted should be allowed to explain why they were upset. If you feel the other party’s behavior is discriminatory, you should report them immediately. If the other party has a history of harassing employees, they can be fired. Continuous aggressive behavior that includes yelling, shouting, and “making scenes” can result in termination.
However, a single outburst is likely tolerated if the workplace is generally friendly and the established team culture is casual.
Yelling at coworkers may be unprofessional and rude, but it’s unlikely to be grounds for termination. While it is unprofessional, it’s not outrageous and is not usually considered egregious.
The bottom line is that yelling at coworkers is rarely considered workplace harassment, but it can be cited as one of many factors in dismissing an employee.
How Do You Deal With a Yelling Employee?
Handling an employee who yells at other employees requires a calm, professional approach to addressing the situation and preventing further disruptions.
Keep your composure and remain calm when confronted by a yelling employee. Take a few deep breaths and maintain a neutral tone when speaking to them.
Talk privately to the person and do your best to understand their situation. Make it clear that their behavior is unacceptable and ask them to contain themselves. Then, discuss possible solutions or next steps to address the issue more constructively.
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