If you were sexually harrassed on the job, what would you do?

Question

This person is a friend and manager, but clearly out of his damn mind.

I prefer the female point-of-view, but appreciate all answers.

Small, privately owned business and the owner was notified.

Answer 1

I would document it very well, and report it to my supervisor. If my supervisor was the one harassing me, or didn't act on my complaint, I would go higher up the org chart--- my boss's boss or the company's HR department. I would not ignore it or let it slide because that gives a signal to the harasser that this is OK. A lot of times this can be resolved without the harasser even knowing you are complaining; I had one job as an IT trainer where one of the students (all company employees) made unwanted advances and tried to buy me presents. He would call me directly for computer help instead of calling the helpdesk and it made me feel really uncomfortable. I told my boss and they worked things out so that I would never have to cross paths with that guy again. We both worked there for another 2 years and never saw each other. To me, that was acceptable--- I dind;t think the guy had been out of line enough to warrant firing, I just didn't want to deal with him any more--- but I know if the offense had been worse or more blatant, or if that hadn't resolved the problem, my bosses would have escalated this all the way to the top.

Answer 2

If you work for a small company, go above the manager's head (if he will do this, he is not a friend) and tell the boss. If it is a large company, contact the HR department.

With the huge court settlements in the past decade or so (if you recall the one case where the law firm had to pay the secretary some $35 million when the law partner sexually harassed her), companies take sexual harassment accusations very seriously, as it can cost the company dearly, not just monetarily, but from the publicity a case can bring.

If your employer blows it off and you feel it is unjustifiably being "swept under the rug" and you feel that the treatment will continue, then by all means contact an attorney.

Answer 3

No one should have to suffer through unwanted attention at work. It is the employers responsibility to create and maintain a work environment that is positive and productive. Any undesired sexual advances in the workplace, or outside the workplace by co-workers are innapropriate and should be reported to human resources or a propriate person of authority.

Answer 4

First, tell him in no uncertain terms that what he's done is a crime and you will NOT tolerate that behavior. AND, let him know if it continues, management will be informed. BTW, friends don't sexually harass their friends. He may be your manager but he's not your friend.
Guys can be awfully stupid when it comes to sex and he MAY not have gotten the message that his behvior is very unwelcome.

Answer 5

1. documentation!
2. stand your ground!
3. report to a "higher up"!
4. if there is still a problem, go to the police

god bless

Answer 6

I would report him to someone. Whether its a boss or a police man.

Or I'd plain quit and never return.

Answer 7

Draw your limitation to yourself and for him infact for everyone so you'll never face this problem again and yess how to draw limitation for example, try to avoid late night parties and get to gether, no Gossips ith him, official dealing only, dont try to be cute with him, dont be so charming etc..Show him some attitude so he will never try on you.

Answer 8

report them to the human resources and if they dont do anything about it I'd take matters in my own hands you shouldn't wait so long to report it or else they will say why did you wait so long making you look bad.

Answer 9

Tell the guy straight up to back off or else! And be prepared to report him to his mangement if he is stupid enough to continue.

Answer 10

Report it!