Should I put in a sexual harrassment claim?

Question

There is a pretty nice older man who comes in and picks up our mail in the morning. Since I am a friendly person, I always engage him in conversation but his conversations been turning a little "intimate" lately. He would tell me that he would like to take me on trips with him and how I "owe" him for something. I have been able laugh and turn him away but recently he leaned over my desk and wanted me to kiss him!! I was so disgusted! I told him no, that it wasn't right and walked away. I couldn't even look him in his eyes. I never thought his flirtations would get to this level. I feel guilty because I was being friendly and he really is a nice person but now I just feel really uncomfortable. What should I do?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I would document his action and talk to your immediate supervisor about this issue, if the issue still persist talk to HR and file a complaint.

You always want to follow the chain of command when having issues, if the issues has not yet been resolved to your satisfaction then you can move up to the next level.

Autumn M · Answer

Who would you file a claim with?  Is he a co-worker?  I'm not clear on exactly who he is (like does he work with you, is he a mail carrier, is he some homeless guy????).

From your description, there really isn't any sexual harassment.  It sounds like he's been flirting (which is perfectly legal in any environment) and you may have been inadvertantly allowing it and perhaps encouraging it.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it's your fault or anything.

For a sexual harassment claim, there must be some type of attempt to remedy the situation.  For example, if someone has a poster in their office of two people kissing, this could be a hostile work environment of sexual harrassment, but the owner of the poster must be confronted.  In this example, if they were asked to remove the poster because it was inappropriate at work or whatever, and refused, then a case could be made.  But, basically, if no one asks him to stop or remove the poster, then there is no case.

So, in this instance, since you had not asked him to stop, there really is no case.   Just because you are at work, doesn't mean that people cannot flirt, or date, or ask someone out, or whatever.  

Why not just try talking with him.  Apologize (even if it's not really your fault) about giving him the wrong signals.  While you think he's a really nice guy, you are not interested in him in that way.  Leave it at that.  If he continues, then you might need to get a little more firm with him.  Then if it continues, some type of legal action may need to be investigated.

Mark K · Answer

no, tell him to stop picking up your mail and you are not interested, if he continues get a restraining order, People are allowed to flirt if its a non workplace environment, without the threat of sexual harassment lawsuits

J O K E R · Answer

lol you might of put the wrong ideas in his mind by accident

assure him you just want to be friends lol

If he trys it again pepper spray him, then smash his head in with a sledgehammer then ring old bill :D

Anonymous · Answer

tell him to stay away, and if he continues, yes, put in a harrassment claim.

Trending News

Should I put in a sexual harrassment claim?

5 Answers