I currently work in an office job where I am one of the youngest members of the team. I recently found out a co-worker of mine (who has a slightly higher position but not a supervisor) has spread rumors to other people (including other co-workers) telling them that I have an eating disorder and that I "throw up my food". She has even told this to the security guard in our building and he believes it; one time, when I was walking into the office with my lunch, he allegedly walked up to one of the employees and told her "I bet she (which is, ME) is going to throw all that up!" (the employee who heard this did not tell me at the time when the guard told this to her, so I did not know and just minded my own business as I walked by them). And now, everytime I go out to lunch and eat in the building, the guard and my co-worker examine me and want to see if I will throw up my food.
2007-09-06 13:59:12 · 5 answers · asked by purringout 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I think it's very immature, being that the two people who are claiming this towards me are both middle-aged and have considerably respectable positions (in my opinion).
I am naturally thin and LOVE food; I even exercise a lot and tend to eat a lot, mostly during the day to have energy. And as someone who has done a good amount of research on medicine and different disorders, I would never throw up my food intentionally- I am not even bulimic. I don't even binge and purge. I think claiming that someone has an eating disorder is a very serious thing. It just makes me upset that a co-worker of mine is talking behind my back like this and trying to have other people believe her.
2007-09-06 14:01:11 · update #1
The co-worker who has been allegedly doing this is currently on vacation; my other co-worker told me that since the "throw up" discussions were just a few weeks ago, I should confront my co-worker when she says something again, or at least file a complaint so that there wouldn't be any questionable "why did you wait a couple of weeks to complain?" I didn't find out this information until recently. What should I do?
2007-09-06 14:02:25 · update #2
By the way, I don't plan to go to court (too drastic at this point), but I DO plan to talk to my main manager and upper-division HR if I must.
2007-09-06 14:07:48 · update #3
P.S. I HAVE never complained to even a manager at my work before and never had a problem like this so... that is why I am asking for help, encouragement, etc. Thanks!
2007-09-06 14:08:48 · update #4
I mean I have NEVER... lol at my grammar.
2007-09-06 14:09:09 · update #5
I love my job, by the way, and have been holding my position for over 2 years and have been successful at my sales and client referrals, that is why I refuse to just give up and leave it.
2007-09-06 14:17:14 · update #6
Well Hunny I am sorry to say this but this kind of things goes on in alot of different places of employment. You could make a complaint or confront the person (of course they will deny it) So what I would do if it was me would ignore it act like nothing then next time you are eating around them as soon as your done look directly at them and say sarcastically well time for me to go get sick and walk away trust me they will look like a deer stuck in head lights and honestly pro ably not keep talking or your will just give them more to talk about I always look at like if they want to waste talking crap about me then there life must not be happy or fulfilling and if I can accomplish that for them by them talking about me then what ever. All that really matters is that you and the people that matter the most know the truth. It is pro ably a jealousy thing plus if you report it trust me you will get enemy and always have to watch your back I find it more effective to do it the way I stated above
2007-09-06 14:17:13 · answer #1 · answered by MEMYMOM 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
although upsetting, what you describe is not actionable in court. I would advise that if the comments are disturbing you that you express this to your co-workers. If they do not listen or per sit, then you can take it up with your supervisor. He or she can help. If this does not work, you may go to HR. I am sure your company has a work place conduct policy. This would most likely be covered by that policy.
Good Luck
2007-09-06 21:04:57 · answer #2 · answered by hensleyclaw 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I was you I'd eat my lunch, walk up to the busy-bodies desk, stick my finger down my throat and puke all over her desk, then I'd say I was feeling nauseous and I need to go home.
2007-09-06 21:04:37 · answer #3 · answered by cireengineering 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get over it. If you hate it there or are too uncomfortable, get a different job. Complain if you wish, maybe it will help.
2007-09-06 21:15:08 · answer #4 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i don't think it fits the definition of harassment,.....but i guess you could see an attorney or the human resources director of the company you work at,.....
2007-09-06 21:03:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋