I’ll start by saying that the toxic environment starts from the top and is condoned by HR. Regardless of what their code of conduct says, they will and they have allowed workplace bullying/harassment. In my experience I had a C suite leader belittle me and be demeaning throughout my tenure. Multiple times I had witnesses, and on more than 1 occasion they spoke to HR to place a complaint about his behavior. I also placed several complaints myself with my business partner. The feedback was always the same, he’s being coached. The behavior got so bad that it reached employee relations. Regardless of my evidence and witness accounts, the employee relations person stated: “I believe everything you’ve shared with me within the last 3 weeks. I am aware that this employee does have this history”. She even went and shared her own personal experience about this C suite leader. Yet, she concluded the investigation by stating that bullying isn’t illegal, and therefore they can’t do anything, and any disciplinary action cannot be shared. In an effort to protect myself, I recorded this conversation and also 5 team meetings/1-1’s with my Manager. I figured if HR wasn’t going to protect me, I needed to have this evidence for reference. He never took accountability for his actions, if anything, the investigation made things worse and I had to go back and share evidence of retaliation. The poor behavior by this leader was documented and witnessed by people team employees and across other departments. Yet nothing was ever done. The abuse continued. I’m no longer with SoFi. Yet, I will always remember how unfair I was treated and the hostile work environment brought on by this leader.
“Facts do not seize to exist because they’re ignored.”