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Company's blind eye to sexual harassment inexcusable
Q: About a year ago, I made a sexual harassment complaint against my boss. Before that, I did not realize what he was doing was illegal. For example, he'd ask if I ever wore thong underwear, tell me I should always wear short skirts, and ask if he could bring me wine. He even showed up at my house.
When I complained to the company president, my boss acted completely surprised. The president tried to make it my fault by saying I wasn't firm enough when I told my boss to stop. He said we should forget it, tell no one and move on, since "no one was hurt."
Since then, despite my protests, I have been moved to a cube within 10 feet of my boss's office. He constantly walks by my desk, follows me around the building, asks about my lunch plans and watches out the window when I leave. People have told me that he goes through my trash.
This is annoying but probably not sexual harassment. If I talk to my boss, he'll just deny doing anything wrong. And I'm sure management wouldn't take it seriously. The solution is to find another job, but so far I haven't had any luck. I feel stuck and could use some advice.
A: Let's be clear about one thing: This is still sexual harassment. Your boss may have stopped talking about sex, but he's definitely harassing you. And something needs to be done about it.
The president obviously handled your prior complaint all wrong. Putting the burden on you to stop the harassment is totally contrary to legal requirements. The company should have taken firm and immediate disciplinary action against your harasser. Moving you closer to him was inexcusable.
At this point, you might consider getting advice from the nearest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission office. They can process a formal claim of sexual harassment, if you wish to make one. The law protects you from retaliation, so management can't take action against you for filing a charge. Of course, they might find some other way to make your life miserable.
Another option is to talk with an attorney. If you decide to go that route, find one who specializes in employment law. Talking to any other type of lawyer could waste your time and money.
If you're not ready to take a legal step, you still need to tell someone in management about this highly inappropriate behavior. Because this guy has a history of showing up at your house, you could find yourself dealing with a stalker.
If your company has a professional HR department, that's the place to go. But if not, go back to the president and let him know that illegal behavior still is occurring. Describe your extreme discomfort, and tell him specifically what you want him to do.
If he does not take immediate action, then reconsider the legal option.
As you say, the best solution is to get out of there. Discussing this situation during job interviews will not be helpful, however. So you need a different answer to the question of why you want to change jobs.
Q: In a couple of weeks, we are due to receive our annual bonuses. Although no one knows it yet, I plan to leave my current employer to take another job. Would it be tacky to quit right after I get my bonus?
A: Is it OK to take the money and run? Sure. Your annual bonus is given for work performed in the previous year, so you've already earned it. People often wait until after bonus time to leave. In fact, to do otherwise would not really be too bright.
Of course, you do need to give sufficient notice, leave your work in good shape and assist your replacement.
But because you are concerned about ethics, I'm sure you are planning to do those things anyway.
- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.
