How to properly deal with uncomfortable situations with co-workers?

Question

So, a couple of my co-workers are beginning to flirt with each other and another two have started a relationship. I think the two are in a relationship. The female (Lisa) used to come into the break-room and openly talk about drinking and partying with the guy (Jason). One day she even went so far as to say she had to borrow his shirt for whatever reason, (I tried to tune her out). Her now ex-boyfriend even came to the warehouse where we worked to threaten the Jason. There are some things she had said about their "partying" that I never wanted to know. I worked with Jason for a year before Lisa was hired, and we had become pretty decent work friends. Now I don't look at him, or her, the same. It's always uncomfortable when she walks in the room, because you never know if she is going to start talking about inappropriate things. I realized that she has not said anything in the passed two weeks because her cashier bff had quit and is no longer around. There have been a couple times when he was late to work because she didn't have a ride and she didn't start until an hour or two after he was supposed to start. I came into work to find fellow shelf-stockers pissed off because they had to go cover his shift until he got there. The thing is that I don't think the managers are aware of any of this, just the employees know.

So now with the other two. A newish cashier and a brand new shelf-stocker began openly flirting in the break-room this passed Monday. I was on my 15 min break, she was beginning lunch, and after 10 min he came in to begin his own 15 min break. They were giggling and touching each other's arms. They took a pic together on his cell phone too. Then he took out a sandwich and told her "you know you want a bite of this", which sounds silly on here but the way in which he said this to her really meant something else. Then she leans over and says "wow, where'd you get so much meat?" in her most flirty voice possible. I began to feel like I was intruding on a date or something. I left as quickly as possible.

My question is, what can I do to take back our employee break-room without causing problems/fights between me and these co-workers? There are some things you do not need to know and witness with co-workers. I go there to do my job and go home, not to feel like I'm in high school again.

Dobiegal · Accepted Answer

That could be considered a hostile work environment. When sexual innuendos are made be it TO you or in your PRESENCE and it makes you uncomfortable, that is in legal terms considered harassment. If you have any type of relationship with them, talk to them separately and say
Sally, when you and Joe are in the breakroom talking about private issues, I really don't want to hear that and a little discretion should be used, ok? Other people might consider it as harassment, and I just wanted to let you know. If you're not able to do this or are uncomfortable, then go to HR and report it. I'm with you, this is unprofessional and uncomfortable to watch people act like children

BJ · Answer

In the place I worked for a news paper the boss started to fool around with an employee, the employee was sleeping with another employee the boss did not know this until one night J came to work and the other employee was putting the hit on the employee which was sleeping with the both of them,What a **** show that was,unfortunately I was off that night I missed the action  but heard all about it!How would you like to have an elevator door open only to find an employee performing a BJ   On a  boss I witnessed this too and some other things.I zip my lip and just keep walking.Then go to work night shift hookers in the parking lot looking for John s doing them in their cars Icould write a book on a lot of things that was going on as the newspaper was being printed LOL

? · Answer

I completely understand what you mean.  It is awkward to the max when others make fools of themselves in front of you.  Especially when you are in a work atmosphere and there is no crack in the floor to disappear into.

You need to say something as soon as it begins.  Like "Okay flirts, this is awkward, flirt on your time, not my break!".  Or,  "This is a break room, not a grade school bus stop."  Or, "OH PLEASE, are you really going to embarrass yourselves this way?"

Honestly, I would not put up with this crap for eight seconds.

? · Answer

Lots of ppl meet their significant others in the workplace, so don't let it be such a surprise for you that your co-workers are dating. They are being kind of rude by not respecting the fact that you are in the break room while  exchanging sexual innuendos. Just ignore them and if they are slacking off, I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before they are let go.

Sue B · Answer

Wear headphones on your break  so you don't have to listen

Trending News

How to properly deal with uncomfortable situations with co-workers?

5 Answers