Problems at Work

If you are having problems with a supervisor or co-worker, try to resolve it in a strictly professional manner. You are a new employee and may encounter problems that other co-workers have already experienced. Speak to them about these conflicts; perhaps they can help you resolve them quickly and harmlessly. In any job, you may meet people you do not like, or feel you cannot work with. You may find that speaking to the person directly will help take care of the problem.

Sexual Harassment
Remember that sexual harassment and racial discrimination are very serious matters in the U.S. If you feel that you have been the victim of either sexual harassment or racial discrimination in your workplace, please contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) at 1-800-669-4000 or CIEE (1-888-268-6245) for advice.

Layoffs and Firings

You could be laid off (lose your job because business is slow) for any number of reasons, which may not reflect on your performance in that job. Layoffs are often the result of financial issues within the company. You are usually given some kind of notice before this occurs.

If you are fired, it is because the company is unhappy with you. You will rarely be fired because of lack of job skills. Most often, people are fired for being consistently uncooperative, or for disciplinary reasons. If you are doing something wrong, you will usually be told so before the situation becomes serious. Contact CIEE about problem situations.

If you are laid off or fired, you MUST contact CIEE as soon as possible at 1-888-268-6245!