WORKPLACE ANSWER
What can I do if my manager shouts at me?
Understand your options when your manager's behaviour becomes difficult or inappropriate.
Quick Answer
Being shouted at by your manager can be upsetting and difficult to deal with. A manager may sometimes become frustrated or raise their voice, but repeated shouting, intimidation, insults or aggressive behaviour should not simply be accepted as normal management.
Think about what happened, whether it was a one-off or part of a pattern, and how serious the behaviour was. If you feel able to, you may want to tell your manager calmly that you were uncomfortable with the way they spoke to you. If the behaviour is serious, keeps happening or you do not feel comfortable raising it directly, you can consider speaking to another manager or HR.
Keep a factual record of incidents, including what happened, when it happened and anyone who witnessed it.
Starting With What Happened
Start by thinking about exactly what happened. Was this a one-off incident, or has your manager shouted at you or behaved aggressively before? Consider what was said, where it happened, who was present and how serious the behaviour was.
A difficult or heated conversation does not automatically mean you are being bullied, but repeated shouting, intimidation, insults or humiliating behaviour should not simply be accepted as normal management.
Recording Incidents
If the behaviour happens more than once, keep a private factual record. Note the date and approximate time, where it happened, what was said or done, who was present, how you responded and what happened afterwards. Keep any relevant emails or messages where appropriate.
Try to record what actually happened rather than simply describing your manager as “aggressive” or “a bully”. A factual record can be useful if you later decide to raise the behaviour with your manager, another manager or HR.
Things To Think About
Before deciding what to do next, think about:
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Was this a one-off incident or part of a pattern?
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Has your manager behaved this way towards you before?
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Were you insulted, humiliated, threatened or intimidated?
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Did it happen in front of colleagues or customers?
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Were there witnesses?
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Do you feel comfortable speaking to your manager directly?
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Have you previously asked them to stop?
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Does your workplace have a bullying, dignity at work or grievance policy?
What To Do Next
If you feel comfortable doing so, you may want to speak to your manager about what happened. Keep the conversation focused on the behaviour and its impact rather than making assumptions about their intentions.
For example, you could say:
“I'm happy to discuss the issue, but I'd prefer if we could do that without raising our voices.”
You do not have to confront your manager directly if you do not feel comfortable doing so. You could instead speak to another manager, HR or a trade union representative, depending on what is available in your workplace.
If the shouting keeps happening or forms part of wider intimidating, humiliating or unreasonable behaviour, you may want to consider whether you need to raise the issue more formally.
What If My Manager Shouts at Me Again?
If you feel comfortable responding at the time, you can calmly make clear that you are willing to discuss the issue but not in that way.
You could say:
“I want to understand your concern, but I'm finding it difficult to have the conversation while I'm being shouted at.”
If the situation becomes heated, you do not need to match your manager's tone. Stay as calm as you can, make a note of what happened afterwards and consider whether you need to raise the behaviour with someone else.
If you feel threatened or believe there is an immediate risk to your safety, prioritise removing yourself from the situation and seek appropriate workplace or emergency support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shouting at work considered bullying?
It can form part of bullying behaviour, particularly if it is repeated or intended to intimidate or humiliate. A single incident does not automatically mean that someone is being bullied, but it can still be inappropriate or serious depending on what happened.
Should I speak to my manager directly?
If you feel safe, explaining how their shouting affects you can sometimes resolve things. If not, you should speak to their supervisor or HR.
What if my manager starts shouting during a meeting?
If you feel comfortable doing so, you can ask your manager to lower their voice or suggest taking a short break before continuing the conversation. If you feel threatened or unsafe, prioritise your safety and seek appropriate support.
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Important: WorkAnswers provides general workplace information for UK employees. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Workplace situations can depend on individual circumstances.
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