How WorkRight23 helped Marie regain confidence and control during a difficult work situation at work when pregnant.
Marie had spent more than ten years working at her local bakery. She was well-liked by colleagues and respected as a valuable team member. But when a new manager, who had no bakery experience, took over, Marie began to notice a shift. The work environment became uncomfortable. At first, she tried to tolerate it.
Things worsened after she shared the news of her pregnancy. Negative behaviours and cutting remarks escalated. Her manager’s comments made her feel incompetent and stressed. Marie carried a knot in her stomach most days and no longer enjoyed going to work.
Turning to WorkRight23
On a friend’s recommendation, Marie downloaded the WorkRight23 app and registered. The next day, she completed the Negative Acts Assessment, which confirmed what she had been experiencing. She opened a case and began documenting incidents as they happened.
Marie quickly found that documenting helped relieve some of her stress. Knowing the record was secure gave her reassurance. She also used strategies from the Options Knowledge Base to help manage her situation day-to-day.
Escalation
At eight months pregnant, Marie needed to request light duties because heavy lifting was no longer possible. At the end of her shift, she approached her manager with the request. The response crushed her:
“You are going to milk this pregnancy for everything you can get.”
With that, the manager turned and walked away.
Marie was devastated. She documented the incident in her car, then drove home. Not long after, she received a call from a WorkRight23 Options Coach. After confirming there was no immediate risk, they agreed to talk again the next day.
Support and Empowerment
In her follow-up conversation, Marie’s Options Coach walked her through several possible pathways. They explored the risks and benefits of each, giving Marie a clearer picture of her choices. For the first time in months, she didn’t feel isolated or powerless.
With her husband’s support, Marie decided to use her accrued sick leave and begin maternity leave early. Stepping away from the criticism and undermining, she realised she could not return to the same environment. When she was ready to work again, Marie secured a transfer to a different bakery location, where she could continue her career free from the negativity.
Looking back, she reflects:
“Understanding all of my options was empowering. I finally felt I could make the best decision for myself and my family.”
Summary
Marie’s story highlights how workplace stress and mistreatment can affect even the most experienced and committed employees—but also how the right support can provide relief and clarity. Through WorkRight23, Marie gained the ability to document incidents safely, reduce her stress, and explore practical options with her Options Coach.
Knowing she had choices gave Marie the strength to protect her well-being, make confident decisions, and move forward in her career.
WorkRight23 exists so no one has to face workplace harm alone.
If you feel trapped, undermined, or mistreated at work, you don’t have to carry it alone.
WorkRight23 provides confidential documentation tools, guidance, and coaching to help you make informed decisions that protect your well-being and future.
