Work takes up such a big part of life, so when things aren’t fair it can feel heavy really quickly. Maybe you’ve had that sinking feeling when you realise you’re being overlooked, or you’ve spotted a mistake in your pay and it keeps happening, or it’s just the way someone speaks to you that doesn’t sit right. It eats away at you because you can’t just leave it behind when you log off for the day. If that’s familiar, you’re not alone. And it’s not something you should have to put up with. There are small, straightforward steps you can take to protect yourself and push things in the right direction.
Spot the problem
The first thing is to get clear on what’s actually happening. Is it a one-off bad day from your boss, or is there a pattern that keeps repeating? Sometimes you only realise how unfair things are once you’ve written them down. Keep a record of incidents, dates, and anything that makes you feel like you’re being treated differently. Having this kind of evidence makes it a lot easier to explain what’s going on if you need to take it further.
Talk to them
It might sound obvious, but sometimes a straightforward conversation can make a big difference. If you feel comfortable, arrange a quiet chat with your manager and explain how you’re feeling. Be specific, not vague. For example, instead of saying “you don’t treat me fairly,” explain that you’ve noticed colleagues being given opportunities you haven’t, even though your work is at the same level. This makes it harder for them to brush it off and shows you’re serious.
Know your options
If the problem doesn’t go away, you need to know what steps you can take next. Most workplaces have HR policies that cover complaints or grievances, and it’s worth looking into them so you know the proper process. If it escalates further, employees sometimes take their case to a tribunal, and that’s where appeals to the EAT come in. It’s not a step anyone takes lightly, but it’s good to know it exists so you’re not left feeling powerless.
Get support
You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to people you trust, whether that’s friends, family, or colleagues who might have experienced something similar. If you’re part of a union, get in touch with them too because they’re there to back you up when things like this happen. Even outside of work, there are free advice services that can guide you through your rights and what action you can take. Sometimes just knowing you’ve got people in your corner makes a huge difference.
Protect yourself
While you’re figuring it out, make sure you’re looking after yourself. Stress at work can spill into the rest of your life, so set some boundaries where you can. Take breaks, switch off outside of working hours, and don’t let it consume you completely. At the end of the day, a job is just a job, and no role is worth sacrificing your wellbeing for.
Moving forward
If nothing changes, it might be a sign that this workplace isn’t the right place for you long term. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re choosing to put yourself first. Sometimes the best outcome isn’t fixing the situation but walking away to something better. Whatever happens, remember that you deserve to be treated with respect, and you don’t have to settle for less.
