Boss out of control - Do I have to put up with being yelled at?

When the voice becomes louder than the arguments

A stressful day at the office, the project isn't running smoothly - and suddenly the boss starts shouting. Does this sound familiar? For many employees, this is part of everyday life: bosses who lead with pressure, loudness and harsh words. But is this actually allowed?

The answer is clearer than you might think: No, the boss is not allowed to just shout. Criticism? Yes. Plain text? Gladly. But please be factual - that's what employment law wants. Because the tone not only makes the music - it also determines the working atmosphere and the health of the employees.

Angry boss? Also legally tricky!

Getting loud, insulting or using abusive language - this is more than just bad management style. It violates the employer's duty of care, which is to protect employees from physical and psychological harm. However, anyone who is constantly shouted at can suffer from insomnia, nervousness and even anxiety as a result.

One thing is clear: criticism is part of the job. But it must remain respectful and constructive. Loudness, intimidation or even insults are not management tools - they are simply unacceptable. And may even be punishable by law.

What to do when the boss is out of line?

If you are shouted at, you should not remain silent. The important thing is to keep calm and document it. Make a note of the date, time, wording and any witnesses. These notes can be worth their weight in gold in the event of a dispute.

The next step is to seek a conversation. Calmly but firmly point out to the line manager that the tone was inappropriate. And ask for factual communication. No effect? Then a discussion with the works council or HR department can often help.

If it becomes unbearable, employees can also demand that the company takes action against the manager in question. Even if this is often difficult, the employee is not alone legally. Repeated harassment and insults can become a case for the labor courts.

Insults are not only a breach of the employment contract - they are also relevant under the Criminal Code. In the case of wild insults, it may even be possible to press charges.

Boss is not always king

Getting loud, shouting, bullying - that is not a management style, that is a demonstration of power at the expense of employees. Respect is not an option - it's a duty. Anyone who acts like this as a boss should attend a coaching course rather than lead a team. The good news is that employees don't have to put up with it. The bad news is that many do it anyway - for fear of professional disadvantages.