I'm 26, and my company recently moved into a new bldg that has some finishing work that still needs to be done, so there are a lot of painters, construction workers, etc around. There are a few that have been on my floor regularly, and I have been friendly to them by smiling and saying good morning, stuff like that. I have noticed when I walk by they speak in Spanish to each other and laugh and check me out. I know they are saying suggestive things. Anyway, today I was going to lunch and one of the workers said, "Are you going to help me work today?" I just smiled as I went to my car and he said, "YOu know I'll work you! I'll work you hard!" Then walked away laughing. I was disgusted. I don't want to get anyone fired, but should I bring this up? I feel like they'll tell me I'm asking for it since I often wear heels and things. But I have in no way flirted with them or anything.
2007-11-19 10:08:50 · 20 answers · asked by Leah 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
This is one example of many. It was kind of the last straw.
2007-11-19 10:43:31 · update #1
It is not flattering or a compliment!!
2007-11-19 10:43:47 · update #2
If this is making you uncomfortable then you need to report it to your H.R. representative and ask that the behavior stop. You don't "deserve it" just because you wear heals.
2007-11-19 10:53:24 · answer #1 · answered by hr4me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long will the construction be going on? I assume it is not a permanent thing so at some point - the job will be done and these guys will be gone.
Construction workers say things about women - suggestive things - it's not right - that's not an excuse and it's not OK - but it happens.
Start to ignore them - don't be friendly anymore. Don't smile and say hello. If they really bother you - get a co-worker to walk you out to your car (preferably the biggest guy in the office). You have to decide - how big a battle do you want to make this?
2007-11-20 04:14:08 · answer #2 · answered by Boots 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you like your company?
Do you respect your boss?
Do they respect you?
YOU OWE IT TO THEM, but more importantly to yourself, to say something.
I am guilty of some of the same outward behavior in my past and it almost cost me everything I had ever built up, EVEN THOUGH it was a two way street.
Workplace harassment, no matter what form, is against State and Federal law.
DON'T LAUGH IT OFF as I have spent years in security, investigations, and enforcement and this type of thing tends to escalate.
Find the right time - book an actual appointment with your immediate supervisor (that's important, unless they are involved) document the meeting time and place, and ask them to get back to you when they have had an opportunity to "evaluate your claim" (better than using the word investigate. If nothing happens or you are not contacted within a week, follow up with the chain of command.
2007-11-19 10:52:29 · answer #3 · answered by ntl_promo_guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not flattering or a compliment, but I personally feel that you are blowing it out of proportion.
First of all, you don't know they were saying suggestive things...b/c you don't speak Spanish.
Next...are you going to run and cry to your boss every time someone says something that offends you?
If it happened EVERY DAY, I could see your point. It's not. Some things you just have to suck up and not try to turn everything into a lawsuit...b/c you'll be out of a job or get a reputation as a corporate crybaby.
I suggest you find another way to walk into the building, through a side exit...something else other than the main entrance. Just keep walking by, don't smile, don't maintain eye contact...just keep walking.
2007-11-19 11:45:47 · answer #4 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would at the very least tell your boss or supervisor if it didn't bother u that much say that too. that way if the construction workers are dumb enough to take it a step further you've already told someone else. if it did really bother you definately tell someone those particular workers should be fired on the spot in my opinion thats totally uncalled for regardless of how you dress or if u smile and say hello.
yes i'm a guy and i happen to be a total gentleman and would never say anything like that. i would expect to be fired if i did though thats for sure.
2007-11-19 10:46:00 · answer #5 · answered by rpgelinas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why could you think of he'd retaliate? Did he look dangerously violent? hundreds of people document comments with the greater efficient company bureau daily. If all of them were the sufferer of retaliation do no longer you think of we'd hear approximately all those lifeless people and all of the criminals in penal complex for retaliating against a foul BBB reportI'm no longer being advise, optimistically i'm helping you spot you're being paranoid. If it makes you experience from now on efficient, as you waited see you later that's uncertain something will come of it. The BBB does not get your a refund for you, you may might desire to take the guy to small claims court and sue him for it. once you write a letter that's filed and if the region gets too many letters then they may be appeared at. that's purely sexual harrassment in case you artwork with them. If a company man or woman is offensive your selection is to stroll away and take your company someplace else. in case you do choose to sue the guy there's a 2 365 days statute of barriers for this form of element. you may purely have some months left so which you may desire to settle on what you love to do. actually, i do no longer see the form you may win. you have necessary letters from a minimum of two restoration places who examined the artwork explaining what grew to become into achieved incorrect. photos could have helped and needless to say you will might desire to have the reciept from whilst the artwork grew to become into achieved and whilst it grew to become into redone 6 months later.
2016-09-29 13:19:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"You know I'll work you! I'll work you hard!" This is not the thing to say if your offended and want to complain about sexual harassment.
You can now do one of 3 things. Stop speaking to them period. Say nothing no matter what they say to you. They should get the hint. If not
Complain to your immediate supervisor and ask them to speak with them and that you did not want to file a formal complaint just yet.
Or
Write an anonymous letter to the company advising them that their hired construction workers are sexually harassing the female employees and can they please address the problem. Most companies will address this immediately.
2007-11-19 11:01:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it's harassment. Anything that makes you feel creepy like that qualifies. Speak with your supervisor immediately. Just because these are construction workers (probably not your company's employees) doesn't make it okay. Your supervisor should see that this is reported to the building management (or whoever is responsible for hiring these workers).
2007-11-19 10:44:47 · answer #8 · answered by Angie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
tell youur supervisor. They can talk to the construction for-man. Someone needs to remind them that they are there to do a job and your company is the paying client. You have the right to feel safe and comfortable when you are at work, dont ingnore it. You will feel better after you do. and there are laws in place to protect you from any negative effects at work.
Good luck
2007-11-19 10:24:16 · answer #9 · answered by Edward H 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's definitely sexual harrassment and if you have a witness to these comments it's better but I would definitely tell my boss. Document each time it happens and tell these goons you don't appreciate their remarks and to stop.If your way of dress is tasteful they should not say you're asking for it. No one deserves to be treated like a piece of meat and there are laws against this kind of behavior. Don't worry about getting anyone fired. They have no right speaking to you like that.
2007-11-19 10:19:21 · answer #10 · answered by sandra d 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋