Employee rights: bosses are not allowed to shout – what you need to know!

Employee rights: bosses are not allowed to shout – what you need to know!

The question of whether superiors are allowed to yell at their employees is a constant source of debate in the working world. A look at the current regulations shows that employers are allowed to criticize their employees or give instructions, but they must remain objective and respectful. An inappropriate tone, such as shouting, is clearly not acceptable, as Radioguetersloh reports.

First of all, it should be noted that poor leadership behavior can violate the employer's duty of care. Employers are legally obliged to protect their employees not only from physical but also from mental health problems. Unobjective criticism, which can occur in the form of insults, is even criminally relevant and is listed in the Criminal Code.

The responsibility of employers

The duty of care is crucial for a healthy work environment. This obligation to the safety and well-being of employees is firmly anchored in German labor law. Employers must ensure healthy and safe working conditions, ranging from the provision of necessary work equipment to compliance with working time regulations. The scope of this obligation begins with the initiation of an employment relationship and extends throughout the entire period of employment. Even after an employment relationship has ended, these obligations can continue, especially in sensitive cases such as underage employees, as Hopkins Law explains.

The aspects of the duty of care also include protection against bullying, discrimination or harassment. Employers have a duty to support their employees with their mental health. If employees suffer from symptoms such as heart palpitations, nervousness or insomnia, they should not ignore them but rather address them in the company. Smart companies offer their employees help from superiors, the works council or take into account the possibility of official complaints in order to improve the situation.

Consequences of unobjective criticism

The reactions to unobjective criticism or inappropriate behavior in the workplace can be drastic. Employees have the right to refuse to work, to consider dismissal without notice, or to contact supervisory authorities directly. In addition, they can claim compensation if their health is affected by such behavior. Ulrike Kolb, an experienced labor law specialist in Berlin and a member of the German Bar Association and the Berlin Bar Association, emphasizes the importance of employees knowing their rights and demanding them.

In summary, it can be said that yelling and unobjective criticism from superiors is not only unprofessional, but also legally problematic. Both employers and employees should be aware of the consequences and responsibilities in order to create a respectful work environment in which everyone can feel comfortable. A healthy exchange and constructive criticism are the key to successful collaboration that satisfies everyone involved, as LZ emphasizes.