Is this considered sexual harrassment in the workplace????

Question

My manager never calls me by my name and only calls me "babydoll".

I have been too afraid to speak up and tell him not to call me that for fear of losing the only job I have (although no one has threatened me). He also chides me like I am a child and once when I called to tell him I had overslept due to a powerfailure in my apartment; he informed me that I couldn't work at all because I "can't oversleep".

Also once when I was late (due to a serious private matter)he chides me like a little child infront of a group of 4 managers and asks me why I was late infront of all of them. I tell him that I would like to speak to him in private and that it was of a personal matter but he tells me that "nothin is private, say it out loud babydoll, you can't be late and just walk in"

But as a 27 year old woman I find it completely insulting, rude and uncomfortable to be treated this way and called "babydoll"

Answer 1

If it makes you uncomfortable, then yes, I believe it is sexual harrassment. If you are uncomfortable saying something to your manager about it then maybe go to your HR department and tell them.

Answer 2

To be honest. I think all you women ,blow everything out of proportion.
You make a big deal over nuthin.
Just because someone says something. Offensive to you. You jump to conclusion, it sexual harassment.
No matter what any man saying to you.
You all take it the wrong way. And if it bothers you so much, then why do you bother working there?
You have choices you know. If you don't like working there, then find another job.
You women complain about how you want to be treated equally, to men.
And then you ***** and complain, about it. either you want to be as equal to men or you don't.
And besides, you women can never be equal, because men can't get pregnant.

Answer 3

I'd be hesitant to say that this is sexual harassment. The only thing that you mentioned that has sexual overtones is the "baby doll". The rest is just really bad management style. I'd talk to your HR department and see if they can give you any help. For your own edification you should review the definitions of what sexual harassment is, your HR department or employee handbooks are good places to look.

Definitely talk to your HR about this as it sounds like a valid problem, even if it isn't a sexual harassment case.

Answer 4

I would call it unprofessional office bahaviour but not SEXUAL harassment. You of course, can still file a grievance (if there is such a system in your workplace) especially if it affects your performance. There are risks of course in taking such an action but that's for you and you alone to decide. I would advice caution is using the term 'sexual" as it seems to be overused these days to the point of women being called "boys who cried wolf" which led to some real sexual harassment cases to be ignored.. In fact, I know of several cases where the 'sexual harrasment" issue was used (both by male and female) to harass or blackmail superiors (again male and female) by their subordinates for promotion and compensation. That led to a lot of ruined careers of many innocent bosses. Sexual harassment does occur but should not be abused.

Answer 5

It is insulting, I would not put up whith being called that even once, perhaps it would be best to speak to someone who deals with laws in the workplace (in england I think it's called empoyment tribunal or something - but anyway check with a professional...)

Answer 6

He shouldn't call you babydoll, but that is not sexual harrasement. Liberalism dictates that just about anything now is sexual harrasement. Sexual Harrasement really is sexual advances. If he made a pass at you, that would be sexual harrasement.

Answer 7

talk to a manager in front of people, tell him that you don't appreciate when he called you a "babydoll" if he will continue this misconduct, you will have to fill out a complain.

Answer 8

Personally, I think you have a case. Your "boss" sounds like an immature jerk, to say the least.