The boss came in this morning with coffee. As he put coffee on everyone’s desk one by one, when he got to my desk, he just said, “You don’t deserve this,” and walked away. I couldn’t tell if it was a joke or if he had crossed a line. But everyone laughed a little, and then it got quiet. I felt very strange; do you think I should take it seriously?
I think that’s just outright disrespect. Up to a point, you can brush it off as a “joke,” but this is too much now. I don’t have to bring coffee to your boss, but that comment… it feels like something between rudeness and harassment ![]()
but has he done something like this before? I mean, did he say it just as a joke or what?
@kahvebitmeden this isn’t really the first time, they do similar things from time to time. But this feels a bit too much to me ![]()
I don’t see it as bullying at all. Maybe there’s a communication issue between you guys; that could be it. Bosses sometimes make unnecessary jokes, you know.
To be considered mobbing, it has to be constant and systematic; it’s more like a “bad joke.” Still, you might want to consult HR if you want.
Jokes that openly humiliate someone in the workplace, like “the boss told you that,” have become really ridiculous. Why can’t anyone manage to be polite?
Would you have asked openly, “What did you mean?”
There are people who make you think you’ve unintentionally upset them just to throw unnecessary jabs. Don’t take it to heart, but also keep your distance.