Feeling misunderstood and unheard when voicing WHS issues in the workplace
I wrote this poem many years ago, after resigning from a workplace position. Naive and eager to serve, I faced workplace politics and felt misunderstood. Despite raising concerns about bullying and harassment, I was met with mistrust and a dismissive response from management. The poem reflects on my decision to leave, feeling unheard, overpowered and unsupported, and emphasizes the need for workers’ and volunteers’ help around workplace bullying. Should I have reacted differently? Should I have fought longer?
Some good came out of the confrontation. About 6 months later, the organisation eventually put WHS policies in place, which was the issue I originally raised. Beverley Joy
Listen HERE – Poem – Workplace Bully
Content with my work, keen in spirit
Eager to serve, obedient, compliant
Blissfully ignorant of workplace politics.
This was my chance to advance
A new direction, a new career
I embraced the vision of the mission
Keen to work as a team member.
But an incident occurred that left me disturbed
I said I had been bullied and harassed
Some workers thought I should just ‘toughen up’.
Not one to make waves or ruffle feathers
I voiced concern about what I had suffered
A delicate flower in a forest of trees
What hope did I have of making them see?
A workmate helped with the correspondence
To present, for a decision, to management
I wanted to leave, just walk away
But, he convinced me to stand strong and stay.
I patiently waited with the assumption
I would receive a fair and balanced reaction
But, they accused me of having a hidden agenda
Blamed with distrust, now my character is stained.
My reputation in disrepute
“How could I have been so misunderstood?
What did I say? What did I do?
That caused them to falsely accuse?
Management asked me “Are you over this yet?”
“Forgive and forget”
“Why are you so upset?”
“I’m sorry you feel this way but…”
Finally, I received a Teflon letter
Written by a lawyer, a fellow team member
Many words but little meaning
Placing the blame subtly on me.
In effect, their words said, “This matter is closed”
I had been stonewalled, my truth ignored
Who could I speak to? I stood alone.
No more agendas or work politics
Or false accusations against me
No more wasting time defending
‘Cause I’m leaving this job, I’m out of here.
Reluctantly, I dropped the issue
Brushed under the carpet, the culture continued
These standover tactics will no doubt repeat
Until they are challenged by one of their peers.
Simply Story Poetry © 2015 All Rights Reserved.
You can listen to all my poems on several podcast platforms HERE
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