Should I report my boss?

Question

I saw my boss at the gym today. Seeing him in spandex was bad enough, but then he made the comment that I should "start bringing Jessica in here."

Jessica is my cubemate who happens to be fat. I can't believe my boss' comment. Should I report him?

I was so shocked he said that that I didn't really do anything. Then he changed the subject. And yes, Jessica is fat. But his comment let me know he sees her as a fat girl and not an employee.

Answer 1

Your boss was out of line! Don't report him and don't tell Jessica, but definitely keep in mind what he said in case of future problems.

Answer 2

No, you should act like a human when you are in "extreme" human zones like the gym and bring your friend in that needs to lose a few pounds. If he were to say anything to you while working, then yes, there are so many rules and laws that would lose his job for him.

Otherwise, build your own weight loss clique, who cares if its the boss, at least you get to see him sweat and work is gratification enough, but what if you lose some pounds/inches, too, or what if you got into shape? Or, what if you could make him do pushups whenever you wanted to ????

Totally invite your friend, there have been business deals made and broken on the treadmill..... :-) ok I'm being dramatic but definately invite your friend/cubemate (that sounds funny, btw). Definately invite her, she might like the friendship with you and your boss......its not a business trip, but maybe your boss will start having workout days and sponsor your free gym passes....

BE creative, and definately use this to your advantage to get the whole office in shape, or whole workforce. A healthy workforce misses 50% less work when they are in shape, etc. Maybe you are the next fitness consultant for the company, for example.....

I don't know, just have fun with it; it sounds like your boss likes to sweat, so you should definately have at least free gym passes by now. Get your charismatic side going and not report every thing you can to get ahead, use everything you can to get ahead.

Answer 3

You can report him, but do you have witnesses. Although the comment was offensive, it would be hard to be construed as sexually offensive or physically threatening. At best, he would get a reprimand from the higher ups.

You would also be at the receiving end of his torment. Many subtle ways he could take it out on you. Waiting for you to slip up once...that could be your job.

It's best to confront him and say you didn't appreciate the comment. Perhaps he was joking *In his own twisted way of making a joke* Perhaps he didn't realize it would be offensive, or didn't mean to demean your friend. Remember, cooler heads prevail in a situation.

Reporting him would only complicate it 10 times worse in the end.

Answer 4

I think that it was a very rude comment but it wasn't directed you you and it was not during work hours. I would mention to him that you didn't think that comment was appropriate. If you were to report him, you would not be able to remain anonymous and he would know it was you who reported him. Which could only cause you trouble in the long run. Is it worth risking your job? Your coworker did not hear it and I don't think I would tell her either. She probably knows she is overweight and is sensitive about it already. If you tell her she will feel very uncomfortable around the boss and probably humiliated. Spare her feelings and her work environment. I would say something directly to your boss saying that you were offended and ask that he keep certain comments to himself. If it were at work I think it would be different, then I would report it.

Answer 5

For what? For suggesting that your cubemate go to the gym? Companies generally have a right to ask their employees to invest in their health and wellness. Workplace wellness is a growing industry, in fact.

Unless he called her fat (in fact, you did), you can't even claim he was insensitive. Moreover, it was in a private setting.

Sorry, can't help you on this one. If you're going to pick a fight like this, be sure to read up on the applicable law (ADA, 1973 Federal Rehabilitation Act, etc.) before starting a formal grievance process. Otherwise you will severely regret it.

So why DOESN'T Jessica go to the gym? You and your boss do....

Answer 6

You can report your Boss, but you don't, from a legal standpoint, have anything to report about.

Reading about what you said about Jessica, you are only assuming what he was trying to say.

Any reports about Sexual Harassment must be based on fact, not fiction and certainly not assumptions.

My recommendation - don't report him without having knowledge of what you thought he was assuming to say.

I say this because, in turn, your Boss can turn around and bring charges of making false statements against you.

Answer 7

What did you reply to him when he said that? Just wondering if you stood up for Jessica, or made a joking comment in reply, or just walked away horrified.

I think rather than report him, I would have dealt with it then and there by saying that I didn't think it was appropriate for him to say, give him a chance to apologize. Then if he says something else another time, you have more than one offhanded comment that was not actually in the workplace to go by.

Answer 8

In times in life, there are things you should do and you shouldn't do- Don't do this please. Because it will have a negative effect on your boss, if he doesn't get fired or anything. And who will you report it to? Jessica? Sure, she'll believe that. I mean, she's going to be hurt when you say that! And do yout think she's going to believe you> She;ll probably end up thinking that you actually said it. And anyways, no offense, but it may seem like you're tattle-talling (can't spell that). Believe me. It's happened to me.

Answer 9

His comment was in poor taste, but to report him for this would only hurt Jessica as this would come to her attention. If it would come to light and cause her any problems at work I would defend her and acknowledge his behavior then. In the mean time document the event, date, time, place in case you need to refer to this for future evidence.

Answer 10

Although this is definitely a rude and very inappropriate comment, you have to mind your own business. This is "his" issue and not your's nor your friend's. If he really has a propensity for inappropriate comments, he will do it again regarding something big... let "him" dig his own grave... don't be the one holding the shovel... you will ultimately lose... Now, for fun, you could have responded "You know that is so ironic because just yesterday she and I were at the plastic surgeons office, and she said I should get you in there too!" and then start laughing... tehe. (of course, this is just something funny)...

Oh, and don't tell your buddy at work... it will hurt her feelings (I know you know this)...