Recently I have gone to the HR department to complain about the dress code being enforced. We have several women in our office that dress provocativily and it is really disturbing to me as it is a law suit waiting to happen. I found out after going to the HR Manager 2 weeks ago, that she went to her HR Manager and he did nothing. So when I spoke to the HR Manager again, she said that it would be best to send it to her, her Manager and to his boss. So I did. I received a phone call today from the CFO who is in charge of HR and he basically told me to mind my own business. Isn't it my business if it offends me? Shouldn't the company DO something about the dress code if it is what is supposed to be enforced? I'm totally confused because I thought that ANY employee who had an issue has the right to ask that something be enforced if it is something that is legal and part of the company policy.
Help! :)
2007-04-02 16:28:09 · 20 answers · asked by Tessy02 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
To expand a little - I work for the CEO - he has asked that I be his eyes and ears when he is not around. He is a all about fairness and respect and is the most morally responsible man I've ever known in my life! A year ago, someone was talked to by HR because an employee complained. Situation solved. Now our company has grown threefold and my concern is that these women are fairly new to the job and looking for attention... However, if the attention is from the wrong person, i.e. the wrong man, they will take it to the highest court. I am passionate about my job and only want to protect the owner who is very giving!
Sure, I'll mind my own business, but if I am not here to protect the owner of the company, as his assistant, what should I do - look the other way until something terrible happens...
I guess at this point, I have no other choice.
Thanks for all your replies.
2007-04-02 17:21:20 · update #1
Mind your own business
2007-04-02 16:31:15 · answer #1 · answered by the Boss 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends how far you want to take this. Sure you can keep pursuing it and make your point. You won't get fired because you would have a great lawsuit, but your career will be greatly affected. Also, how comfortable are you in the workplace knowing you just got most of the people there in trouble with corporate? I would just do what your CFO says and just let it go, is it really that big of a deal anyway? Also, women dressing provocatively does not CAUSE lawuits, the men have to be inappropriate first. The unenforced dress-code just helps the defense lawyer call your co-workers sluts.
2007-04-02 23:32:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go right over the HR's heads (Such as a VP or even the President) and remind your HR's bosses of the reason the company has a dress code in the first place. Find out if it is distracting anyone else and get a few people together to let you're HR's bosses know that it really is a problem. If none of this works then your company doesn't share the same morals as you and it might be time to think about finding someplace better to work.
2007-04-02 23:35:49 · answer #3 · answered by The Quiet Cool 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, they've basically said they have no intention of doing anything about it. Best for you to leave it alone. I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but you are not going to win this one. You've stated your case and they've warned you to back down. Is it right? No! Is it fair? No! Is it worth losing your job over? Nope. What goes around comes around though. You may yet see that lawsuit you foretold come to pass. Don't raise a stink about it now though. I'm speaking from experience. Sometimes you just need to pick your battles, and even though I agree with you 100% about how people dress, it isn't worth it. Stay on HR's good side. You may need them when it's promotion time. Office politics stink!!!!! Right, hon? I feel for you!
2007-04-02 23:36:50 · answer #4 · answered by pookiemct07 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice... let it go. I can see how it would bother you but I would also ask you is it the fact that these woman are wearing provocative clothing that bothers you or the fact that a policy is not being enforced against it. If you've run it up the chain and HR doesn't have a problem with it you should let it end there. If it still bothers you a lot I would leave the company and find one that supports your values more fully.
2007-04-02 23:32:13 · answer #5 · answered by jasenlee 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree you need to mind your own business. Why would you care what other people are wearing. If you are focused on your job and what you need to be doing to get your job done then maybe you wouldnt have time to be worried what others are wearing. Have you seen any comments from HR about your attitude? You probably will soon. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? As long as these people are clean and dont stink you should mind you own business
2007-04-02 23:38:55 · answer #6 · answered by MickC 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, I felt compelled to respond even though you probably wont like my answer.
Your definition of 'provocative' is probably different than Bill Clinton's definition which is different from your HR manager, which is different than his/her manager, etc.
Generally companies have bigger fish to fry than what is described here. The complaint you have is subjective and difficult for anyone to clearly define unless they issue uniforms to each of you.
I just try to 'fit in' and get along with my co-workers. As a manager, I focus on the things that produce the greatestt results. I'm not sure that this subjective issue will yield the greates results.
One thing is for certain, contrary to popular belief bosses DO NOT like to set too strict of rules related to dress code because then they become the 'police' ... something they don't like and it's not the best use of their time.
The other side of the coin is that you probably really don't want them to go "BY THE BOOK" !!! ... BY THE BOOK is generally no good for anyone ... I'm sure they can find things that even you do that would not be BY THE BOOK. Let's not ask our employers to be so rigid that we can't even enjoy our jobs.
I try to get get along with everyone at work and abide by the rules myself and keep to myself. I'm not one that likes to keep the pot stiring .. that gets me no where. I am just thankful that I have a job and if I get so unhappy with the job they are providing for me, then I move on to a job that I will like.
2007-04-02 23:39:34 · answer #7 · answered by ValleyR 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are obviously people high up in the company who are specifically choosing to ignore company policy. So, the policy might as well not exist.
If it is a lawsuit waiting to happen, the company will have to experience the sting of a lawsuit before the policies are truly enforced.
2007-04-02 23:31:45 · answer #8 · answered by inkantra 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Google this:
Hostile Work Environment
Quid Pro Quo
It's so hard to explain - just read about those two words. Your company is entirely liable for any lawsuit brought on by you for creating a Hostile Work Environment since you've already discussed it with management.
I know it's disgusting - it happens at our work but, mangers are really on top of the dress code.
Good luck....
PS - to all of you that say look away, it doesn't work that way. This person can file a law suite and laugh all the way to the bank!! Who needs to see someone with a low cut top with your stuff hanging out. I could say, she is doing that by harassing me.
2007-04-02 23:32:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Post your concerns in the appropriate channels and don't forget to mention the probability of a law suit. Money always gets the attention of managment. After that, the ball is in their court and your butt is covered.
2007-04-02 23:33:05 · answer #10 · answered by RickinAlaska 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the HR is taking a huge risk by not addressing your concerns. That's pretty careless. It sounds like they're not even pretendin to hear you out. I would keep on them about it and start using those key words like "harassment" and "inappropriate". They have to take action at some point.
2007-04-02 23:33:03 · answer #11 · answered by MackMama 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋