Inappropriate behaviour at work

[LosingGrip]

Very brief details at this time.

Friend (female) has had a few problems with a colleague at work (male). It started with some comments about her looks. Leaning across to reach things instead of asking her to move out of the way.

Refusing to move on stairs outside so she has to brush past him.

Today he has touched her. On the side of her hips and neck.

He has been told not to and has still done it again.

Friend is worried about work. Doesn't believe that they will do anything.

What should they (work) do?

Legally I have no concerns about that process if that is needed.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Seems quite obvious to me, she should report it to her line manager and speak to HR.

[simon_harris]

Firstly I hope she is keeping a diary of all incidents and times she has spoken to him/management about the behaviour.

Secondly I would report it to the highest authority in the business that she can - in writing - making a formal complaint.

If nothing is done report to the police as harassment.

[LosingGrip]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

Seems quite obvious to me, she should report it to her line manager and speak to HR.

I dont think there is a HR department. Its a small company.

What should the company do? In my mind its simple. Speak to the offender. If it continues sack him. As mentioned, the legal side of it ive got no issues with and will discuss that with them later today. The company side i dont know.

[RSTurboPaul]

Has she considered Meta glasses or recording on her phone when he is near?

Might be a bit obvious, though, and there might be gdpr issues if there is a screen with info in view. (Perhaps she could record herself as that would hopefully capture any intrusions into personal space without any concerns about data protection etc.)

[Jasandjules]

Do they have a handbook with relevant policies? In any event she has to decide what the end result will be if :

(a) The company take action
(b) The company take no action

She needs to lodge a Grievance but decide whether she will remain in the event of (b).

[vixen1700]

Shouting in a crowded office when he does something:

"Oi! Are you some kind of fking sex-case nonce or something?"

Might get him to stop.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

LosingGrip said:

I dont think there is a HR department. Its a small company.

What should the company do? In my mind its simple. Speak to the offender. If it continues sack him. As mentioned, the legal side of it ive got no issues with and will discuss that with them later today. The company side i dont know.

Ok, irrespective of the company size they have a responsibility for the safety and well-being of their staff. Absolute bare minimum, she needs to lodge a complaint with her line manager or boss (possibly in writing). It needs stopping quickly, doing nothing will only encourage the creep.

[MattyD803]

As difficult as I imagine it is, personally I think she needs raising this with her line manager, or if it's a small firm, the main boss directly.

From the descriptions given, it sounds like this guy is preying on her, with instances getting more and more serious. He's tested the water and having 'got away with it' to date, isn't going to ease up. In fact, I dread to think what his next 'move' might be, or what indeed he might be doing to other females in the firm?

It's one of those where whilst your friend might be concerned about her position in the company by not speaking out, but it's going to do herself (and maybe others) no good in the long run. Push comes to shove and she get's dismissed (not sure how that's technically feasible, but I know small companies can make things very awkward), she's probably best out the company in any case...?

Good luck to your friend, keep us posted.

[simon_harris]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

LosingGrip said:

I dont think there is a HR department. Its a small company.

What should the company do? In my mind its simple. Speak to the offender. If it continues sack him. As mentioned, the legal side of it ive got no issues with and will discuss that with them later today. The company side i dont know.

Ok, irrespective of the company size they have a responsibility for the safety and well-being of their staff. Absolute bare minimum, she needs to lodge a complaint with her line manager or boss (possibly in writing). It needs stopping quickly, doing nothing will only encourage the creep.

This, the report needs to be in writing so it can be potentially used as evidence in a later criminal or tribunal case. If you are of a disposition you could always have a word with the prep yourself, those that may prove unhelpful in the long run. Whatever happens this chap should not be allowed to get away with it.

[carguy45]

First thing I'd advise, regardless of HR or anything else, is to start noting down every single incident and date/time. There will be a time when this is needed to be recalled accurately.

[RSTurboPaul]

carguy45 said:

First thing I'd advise, regardless of HR or anything else, is to start noting down every single incident and date/time. There will be a time when this is needed to be recalled accurately.

Perhaps she could email incident details (as and when they take place) to her personal email from her work address so she has 2x copies of a time-stamped document, held in different places.