workplace nightmares

Sometimes, a toxic workplace doesn’t announce itself with shouting matches or public humiliation—it sneaks in through smaller, subtler demands. A reader recently shared that their boss told them: Bring me coffee every day, or I’ll mark you as “non-collaborative” on your performance review. It’s the kind of situation that sounds almost laughable until you realize it’s a genuine abuse of workplace power

You’ve just had a baby, and your boss says maternity leave depends on naming your child after him. It sounds outrageous—and it absolutely is. But beyond the shock, the legal question remains: Is this behavior illegal? Can you sue and win? This guide walks you through what to consider, how to respond, and how to protect your rights if your employer crosses a serious line.