The humane treatment of humans
It’s not illegal to be a jerk, bully or bosshole in the United States. Unless the behavior is directly aimed at an EEOC protected class of employee, you are out of luck. The long arm of 
justice doesn’t reach that far. Abuse on the job at the hands of a jerk, bully or bosshole may be legal, but it certainly cannot be considered ethical.
You may treat your pet cat or dog better than the manufacturing plant or call center down the street.
If your company has a code of conduct policy, look to see if it covers the humane treatment of humans. Does the code consider the psychological abuse of employees as a violation of company policy?
Leaders: Review your code of conduct policy and make sure the humane treatment of employees is as important as following proper accounting procedures.
Graphic Credit: Photo by BlueRobot
Kevin Kennemer, the founder of The People Group, is a great workplace advocate, consultant, speaker and writer who blogs daily on relevant workplace issues regarding company culture, leadership, worklife trends, and how companies can exceed their financial performance expectations by treating employees with dignity, trust and respect.
