So, I am having a problem with my boss at work. I am in an office with mostly women of all ages; I am 26 years old and our direct boss is a man in his early fifties. The thing is he likes to touch us while he talks to us and sometimes he would come and sit on our desk extremely close and that makes me and some others that Iâve spoken to very uncomfortable.{{more}} One day I was in his office talking about a work matter and then he switched to my personal life, about my boyfriend, if I am happy etc. Rosie, I really wasnât happy with this and I felt the need to say something to him. He said that I misunderstood what he was saying and has been very distant since then. Iâve heard a few of the other girls in the office say that they wanted to go to HR, but they were afraid. What should I do, Rosie? I really like my job.
Uncomfortable.
Dear Uncomfortable,
You are very right to feel this way; this can come under workplace harassment. In fact, it can come under sexual harassment, which includes: unwelcome sexual advances, verbal or physical sexual advances (which are along the lines of what you are going through). You then have to speak up for yourself.
Remember this behaviour is unwelcomed and makes you very uncomfortable; if you feel as though you are experiencing this type of attention, you should research your companyâs policy regarding how you should proceed. It seems as though you may have something like this in place, because you did mention your Human Resources (HR) Dept. They may have rules and regulations that govern your workplace and also protect everyone involved.
Sometimes companies offer training to their employees (management included) regarding proper conduct. I would make sure that you document all of the incidences that made you uncomfortable; I would also know the correct channels to go through. I know that you would be afraid and this is normal, but in life we have to take a stand for what is right. If there are other women who would like to join you, there is strength in numbers.
Please know that your boss could be simply insensitive and politically incorrect. You could actually be doing him a favour in terms of being trained accordingly. Be brave, my girl, I know this is not easy, but in order to create change, you will have to take this first step.
Rosie
Send questions to Rosie at: heyrosie24@yahoo.com or
PO Box 152, Kingstown, St Vincent & the Grenadines
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