I believe that employers should be held to the standard of human decency - no more no less - in treating their employees fairly. I sit here in the writing unit of a corporate communications department. The boss is fairly new, having been hired in the last 6 months. Her office is in the area of the graphic designers and web master - the "cool" kids. The editor and I sit in the farthest corner away from her.

The boss loves being with the cool kids. She just engineered a previously difficult feat - to get the guys in IT buy MAC computers for them. Neither the editor nor I were offered any special equipment or even considered when she gave them this gift.

The boss ignores us at group meetings. Yesterday, we had a departmental meeting and when it came time to give reports on our accomplishments, she called on the design team one by one and cut off the discussion before she reached the writing team.

My job was changed from developing education materials to being the sole communications writer several months ago. I have yet to see my job description.

So why don't I complain to her or management, you ask? Several reasons.

Our H.R. manager is her best friend. I don't trust the H.R. will be fair to me.

The boss retaliates. I asked her about my job description several weeks ago. She ignored my email. I made the mistake of "venting" to the editor and the next thing I know, I was "written up" for causing distrust in our unit.

She ignores my questions. Whether they are in email or face to face, she avoids answering me. So much so that I am getting tired of asking her anything.

She has never thanked me or complimented me on my work. The designers receive high fives and pats on the back. She is very friendly with them and very unfriendly with me. The only time she speaks to me is when she wants something done.

I know this is an unusual situation. Most people are not as arrogant and stubborn as this woman seems to be. The only answer I can think of is that I am an "older" worker and my job isn't as exciting as that of a designer. The writing isn't the thing that is recognized when a project is complete. Rather, it is the look that is admired.

I admit that I was naive. Prior to this situation, my bosses have been very pleased with my work. Rock solid is how they see me. Dependable, talented, helpful and dedicated. This situation may not be unusual.

So I bide my time, looking for work elsewhere and hoping that I don't have the misfortune of running into this type of employer ever again. I have learned a valuable lesson, though. Treat others fairly. Whether you are in management or a coworker, be kind. Nothing kills a "corporate culture" more if you are not kind even to one person.

Learn more about this author, Em Dickinson.
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