How can I determine if my manager is harassing me? [closed]
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My manager often walks up to my desk when I'm quietly working and says insulting things to me such as:
- How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
- Why did you have a baby anyways?
In my country a working mother is a protected characteristic it falls under 'family status discrimination'.
There appears to be a huge rage of behaviors that fall under bullying/harassment. I was told by the worker's compensation board that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating.
Other definitions of harassment include any annoying, offending or distressing conduct. This was from other employment standards websites.
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually harassing me?
professionalism unprofessional-behavior canada harassment women
closed as off-topic by gnat, Chris E, keshlam, user8365, IDrinkandIKnowThings Apr 7 '16 at 21:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave these specific reasons:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – keshlam, Community, IDrinkandIKnowThings
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Chris E
 |Â
show 9 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
My manager often walks up to my desk when I'm quietly working and says insulting things to me such as:
- How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
- Why did you have a baby anyways?
In my country a working mother is a protected characteristic it falls under 'family status discrimination'.
There appears to be a huge rage of behaviors that fall under bullying/harassment. I was told by the worker's compensation board that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating.
Other definitions of harassment include any annoying, offending or distressing conduct. This was from other employment standards websites.
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually harassing me?
professionalism unprofessional-behavior canada harassment women
closed as off-topic by gnat, Chris E, keshlam, user8365, IDrinkandIKnowThings Apr 7 '16 at 21:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave these specific reasons:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – keshlam, Community, IDrinkandIKnowThings
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Chris E
6
@Kilisi: The OP does not say that she's married, or that if she is, her spouse is male.
– jamesqf
Apr 7 '16 at 5:33
10
Parts of this seem to have been copied verbatim from this closed question. If it is a real question, it should be asked of a lawyer or a location specified in which case we can only give a basic legal definition of workplace harassment.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:41
8
@Kilisi, I don't believe that is what you meant, but this kind of advices suggest that it's kind of okay to do that, unless the women are under the "protection" (support) of a man (typically their husband). And it isn't.
– bilbo_pingouin
Apr 7 '16 at 6:05
5
@bilbo_pingouin While I find Kilisi's advice distasteful, it's still the preferred and sometimes only way of resolving a situation like this in many parts of the world.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 6:53
2
I edited this to remove the unnecessary commentary. I also included the country listed in this question which also contained the exact phrases used in this post.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 7 '16 at 12:16
 |Â
show 9 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
My manager often walks up to my desk when I'm quietly working and says insulting things to me such as:
- How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
- Why did you have a baby anyways?
In my country a working mother is a protected characteristic it falls under 'family status discrimination'.
There appears to be a huge rage of behaviors that fall under bullying/harassment. I was told by the worker's compensation board that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating.
Other definitions of harassment include any annoying, offending or distressing conduct. This was from other employment standards websites.
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually harassing me?
professionalism unprofessional-behavior canada harassment women
My manager often walks up to my desk when I'm quietly working and says insulting things to me such as:
- How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
- Why did you have a baby anyways?
In my country a working mother is a protected characteristic it falls under 'family status discrimination'.
There appears to be a huge rage of behaviors that fall under bullying/harassment. I was told by the worker's compensation board that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating.
Other definitions of harassment include any annoying, offending or distressing conduct. This was from other employment standards websites.
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually harassing me?
professionalism unprofessional-behavior canada harassment women
edited Apr 7 '16 at 12:13


Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
96.7k46292449
asked Apr 7 '16 at 4:07
Zara Fowler
436
436
closed as off-topic by gnat, Chris E, keshlam, user8365, IDrinkandIKnowThings Apr 7 '16 at 21:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave these specific reasons:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – keshlam, Community, IDrinkandIKnowThings
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Chris E
closed as off-topic by gnat, Chris E, keshlam, user8365, IDrinkandIKnowThings Apr 7 '16 at 21:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave these specific reasons:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – keshlam, Community, IDrinkandIKnowThings
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Chris E
6
@Kilisi: The OP does not say that she's married, or that if she is, her spouse is male.
– jamesqf
Apr 7 '16 at 5:33
10
Parts of this seem to have been copied verbatim from this closed question. If it is a real question, it should be asked of a lawyer or a location specified in which case we can only give a basic legal definition of workplace harassment.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:41
8
@Kilisi, I don't believe that is what you meant, but this kind of advices suggest that it's kind of okay to do that, unless the women are under the "protection" (support) of a man (typically their husband). And it isn't.
– bilbo_pingouin
Apr 7 '16 at 6:05
5
@bilbo_pingouin While I find Kilisi's advice distasteful, it's still the preferred and sometimes only way of resolving a situation like this in many parts of the world.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 6:53
2
I edited this to remove the unnecessary commentary. I also included the country listed in this question which also contained the exact phrases used in this post.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 7 '16 at 12:16
 |Â
show 9 more comments
6
@Kilisi: The OP does not say that she's married, or that if she is, her spouse is male.
– jamesqf
Apr 7 '16 at 5:33
10
Parts of this seem to have been copied verbatim from this closed question. If it is a real question, it should be asked of a lawyer or a location specified in which case we can only give a basic legal definition of workplace harassment.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:41
8
@Kilisi, I don't believe that is what you meant, but this kind of advices suggest that it's kind of okay to do that, unless the women are under the "protection" (support) of a man (typically their husband). And it isn't.
– bilbo_pingouin
Apr 7 '16 at 6:05
5
@bilbo_pingouin While I find Kilisi's advice distasteful, it's still the preferred and sometimes only way of resolving a situation like this in many parts of the world.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 6:53
2
I edited this to remove the unnecessary commentary. I also included the country listed in this question which also contained the exact phrases used in this post.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 7 '16 at 12:16
6
6
@Kilisi: The OP does not say that she's married, or that if she is, her spouse is male.
– jamesqf
Apr 7 '16 at 5:33
@Kilisi: The OP does not say that she's married, or that if she is, her spouse is male.
– jamesqf
Apr 7 '16 at 5:33
10
10
Parts of this seem to have been copied verbatim from this closed question. If it is a real question, it should be asked of a lawyer or a location specified in which case we can only give a basic legal definition of workplace harassment.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:41
Parts of this seem to have been copied verbatim from this closed question. If it is a real question, it should be asked of a lawyer or a location specified in which case we can only give a basic legal definition of workplace harassment.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:41
8
8
@Kilisi, I don't believe that is what you meant, but this kind of advices suggest that it's kind of okay to do that, unless the women are under the "protection" (support) of a man (typically their husband). And it isn't.
– bilbo_pingouin
Apr 7 '16 at 6:05
@Kilisi, I don't believe that is what you meant, but this kind of advices suggest that it's kind of okay to do that, unless the women are under the "protection" (support) of a man (typically their husband). And it isn't.
– bilbo_pingouin
Apr 7 '16 at 6:05
5
5
@bilbo_pingouin While I find Kilisi's advice distasteful, it's still the preferred and sometimes only way of resolving a situation like this in many parts of the world.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 6:53
@bilbo_pingouin While I find Kilisi's advice distasteful, it's still the preferred and sometimes only way of resolving a situation like this in many parts of the world.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 6:53
2
2
I edited this to remove the unnecessary commentary. I also included the country listed in this question which also contained the exact phrases used in this post.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 7 '16 at 12:16
I edited this to remove the unnecessary commentary. I also included the country listed in this question which also contained the exact phrases used in this post.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 7 '16 at 12:16
 |Â
show 9 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
It sounds a lot like it is harassment and workplace bullying. Harassment or bullying is normally a systemic, extended behaviour that causes emotional or physical distress. If it's happened over a period of time, then it's certainly indicative of bullying or harassment. Harassment (for example, sexual harassment) does not need to occur multiple times. Bullying, however, requires evidence of multiple instances of the behaviour.
References here:
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable and unwelcome behaviour directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety.
Workplace harassment is unwanted behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person, and targets them on the basis of a characteristic such as gender, race or ethnicity.
Most importantly, if you haven't already done so, document EVERYTHING. Times, places, what was said. Written communication in particular is valuable evidence. If at all possible speak to anyone who may have overheard the comments and is willing to be a witness for you.
I would suggest taking it to your HR department. Use the words workplace bullying or workplace harassment. These are very specific terms that carry a legal weight behind them.
If you have no joy with your HR department, then it may well be worth consulting a lawyer. This is very definitely a sledgehammer approach, but it may be the only choice you are left with in the end. But really, make sure you have as much evidence as you can. Document, document, document.
1
I totally agree, it is definitely harassment in my books.
– Kilisi
Apr 7 '16 at 4:37
2
At least in the USA, it's also necessary to tell the problem individual that his comments are unwelcome before taking further steps. In writing is best, of course.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 5:46
1
@BobRodes That request then becomes a part of the documented evidence.
– Jane S♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:48
1
@JaneS Yes, indeed it does. My point is simply that it's part of standard protocol to do this as a first step, so the individual can't claim that he didn't know that it was offensive.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 6:01
4
@Lilienthal last time I checked hostile work environment lawsuits were a thing even in the US. If I was a HR department and this was reported to me, I would have a very serious talk with the manager right away, and probably take some formal corrective action.
– Magisch
Apr 7 '16 at 7:30
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
5
down vote
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually
harassing me?
That depends on what your goal is in this context.
If you just want to feel like others agree with you that you are being harassed, then you can continue to poll folks here and elsewhere.
If you want to file a harassment lawsuit, then you should consult a labor law attorney in your locale.
If you want to file a case with your worker's compensation board, then you need to contact them and ask what their appeal process is. As you indicated, they already told you "that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating". So ask them what you need to do if you disagree with their ruling/answer.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
Entirely inappropriate, and a decent HR department would turn that into a formal reprimand when reported.
The rest of the statements as you posted them range from merely none of his business to insulting and harassing. I would definitely report this to HR.
Anyways, I feel that this is harassment.
You're most likely right. Go to HR and lay this out. If you ever get something in writing (emails etc) keep that as evidence. Make note (note down) of every time he does this and present specific evidence to HR. A decent HR will see that this is a workplace discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen and take swift corrective action.
Also do tell him to stop before. Best done in writing (email) to create a paper trail.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I will assume that the manager was told clearly by the OP that his comments were profoundly offensive/unacceptable and that the situation has progressed far beyond anything that could be addressed between manager/employee on their own.
Obviously the manager's behavior was egregious but what makes the situation utterly intractable is that going to HR or whatever "worker's compensation board" is, yielded a denial that it was even a problem (FWIW, I find that implausible and wonder if something more complicated is going on).
If the OP can't move laterally within the org, there really is no choice but to update the resume and get out. Legal remedies are "on the table" for folks that want to effectively make it their life's work to force "justice" upon the employer. The fact is, even in best-case scenarios, outcomes are indeterminate and payouts iffy.
The precise answer the question "what is harassment?" can be looked up, but does it really matter unless legal action is being seriously considered? All the OP really needs to recognize is that the boss is an asshole and HR is indifferent and/or incompetent.
What could it be? Something more complicated going on? Trying to get her to quit?
– user1261710
Apr 7 '16 at 17:19
suggest improvements |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
It sounds a lot like it is harassment and workplace bullying. Harassment or bullying is normally a systemic, extended behaviour that causes emotional or physical distress. If it's happened over a period of time, then it's certainly indicative of bullying or harassment. Harassment (for example, sexual harassment) does not need to occur multiple times. Bullying, however, requires evidence of multiple instances of the behaviour.
References here:
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable and unwelcome behaviour directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety.
Workplace harassment is unwanted behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person, and targets them on the basis of a characteristic such as gender, race or ethnicity.
Most importantly, if you haven't already done so, document EVERYTHING. Times, places, what was said. Written communication in particular is valuable evidence. If at all possible speak to anyone who may have overheard the comments and is willing to be a witness for you.
I would suggest taking it to your HR department. Use the words workplace bullying or workplace harassment. These are very specific terms that carry a legal weight behind them.
If you have no joy with your HR department, then it may well be worth consulting a lawyer. This is very definitely a sledgehammer approach, but it may be the only choice you are left with in the end. But really, make sure you have as much evidence as you can. Document, document, document.
1
I totally agree, it is definitely harassment in my books.
– Kilisi
Apr 7 '16 at 4:37
2
At least in the USA, it's also necessary to tell the problem individual that his comments are unwelcome before taking further steps. In writing is best, of course.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 5:46
1
@BobRodes That request then becomes a part of the documented evidence.
– Jane S♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:48
1
@JaneS Yes, indeed it does. My point is simply that it's part of standard protocol to do this as a first step, so the individual can't claim that he didn't know that it was offensive.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 6:01
4
@Lilienthal last time I checked hostile work environment lawsuits were a thing even in the US. If I was a HR department and this was reported to me, I would have a very serious talk with the manager right away, and probably take some formal corrective action.
– Magisch
Apr 7 '16 at 7:30
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
9
down vote
It sounds a lot like it is harassment and workplace bullying. Harassment or bullying is normally a systemic, extended behaviour that causes emotional or physical distress. If it's happened over a period of time, then it's certainly indicative of bullying or harassment. Harassment (for example, sexual harassment) does not need to occur multiple times. Bullying, however, requires evidence of multiple instances of the behaviour.
References here:
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable and unwelcome behaviour directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety.
Workplace harassment is unwanted behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person, and targets them on the basis of a characteristic such as gender, race or ethnicity.
Most importantly, if you haven't already done so, document EVERYTHING. Times, places, what was said. Written communication in particular is valuable evidence. If at all possible speak to anyone who may have overheard the comments and is willing to be a witness for you.
I would suggest taking it to your HR department. Use the words workplace bullying or workplace harassment. These are very specific terms that carry a legal weight behind them.
If you have no joy with your HR department, then it may well be worth consulting a lawyer. This is very definitely a sledgehammer approach, but it may be the only choice you are left with in the end. But really, make sure you have as much evidence as you can. Document, document, document.
1
I totally agree, it is definitely harassment in my books.
– Kilisi
Apr 7 '16 at 4:37
2
At least in the USA, it's also necessary to tell the problem individual that his comments are unwelcome before taking further steps. In writing is best, of course.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 5:46
1
@BobRodes That request then becomes a part of the documented evidence.
– Jane S♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:48
1
@JaneS Yes, indeed it does. My point is simply that it's part of standard protocol to do this as a first step, so the individual can't claim that he didn't know that it was offensive.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 6:01
4
@Lilienthal last time I checked hostile work environment lawsuits were a thing even in the US. If I was a HR department and this was reported to me, I would have a very serious talk with the manager right away, and probably take some formal corrective action.
– Magisch
Apr 7 '16 at 7:30
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
down vote
It sounds a lot like it is harassment and workplace bullying. Harassment or bullying is normally a systemic, extended behaviour that causes emotional or physical distress. If it's happened over a period of time, then it's certainly indicative of bullying or harassment. Harassment (for example, sexual harassment) does not need to occur multiple times. Bullying, however, requires evidence of multiple instances of the behaviour.
References here:
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable and unwelcome behaviour directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety.
Workplace harassment is unwanted behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person, and targets them on the basis of a characteristic such as gender, race or ethnicity.
Most importantly, if you haven't already done so, document EVERYTHING. Times, places, what was said. Written communication in particular is valuable evidence. If at all possible speak to anyone who may have overheard the comments and is willing to be a witness for you.
I would suggest taking it to your HR department. Use the words workplace bullying or workplace harassment. These are very specific terms that carry a legal weight behind them.
If you have no joy with your HR department, then it may well be worth consulting a lawyer. This is very definitely a sledgehammer approach, but it may be the only choice you are left with in the end. But really, make sure you have as much evidence as you can. Document, document, document.
It sounds a lot like it is harassment and workplace bullying. Harassment or bullying is normally a systemic, extended behaviour that causes emotional or physical distress. If it's happened over a period of time, then it's certainly indicative of bullying or harassment. Harassment (for example, sexual harassment) does not need to occur multiple times. Bullying, however, requires evidence of multiple instances of the behaviour.
References here:
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable and unwelcome behaviour directed towards an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety.
Workplace harassment is unwanted behaviour that offends, humiliates or intimidates a person, and targets them on the basis of a characteristic such as gender, race or ethnicity.
Most importantly, if you haven't already done so, document EVERYTHING. Times, places, what was said. Written communication in particular is valuable evidence. If at all possible speak to anyone who may have overheard the comments and is willing to be a witness for you.
I would suggest taking it to your HR department. Use the words workplace bullying or workplace harassment. These are very specific terms that carry a legal weight behind them.
If you have no joy with your HR department, then it may well be worth consulting a lawyer. This is very definitely a sledgehammer approach, but it may be the only choice you are left with in the end. But really, make sure you have as much evidence as you can. Document, document, document.
edited Apr 7 '16 at 4:22
answered Apr 7 '16 at 4:16


Jane S♦
40.8k17125159
40.8k17125159
1
I totally agree, it is definitely harassment in my books.
– Kilisi
Apr 7 '16 at 4:37
2
At least in the USA, it's also necessary to tell the problem individual that his comments are unwelcome before taking further steps. In writing is best, of course.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 5:46
1
@BobRodes That request then becomes a part of the documented evidence.
– Jane S♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:48
1
@JaneS Yes, indeed it does. My point is simply that it's part of standard protocol to do this as a first step, so the individual can't claim that he didn't know that it was offensive.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 6:01
4
@Lilienthal last time I checked hostile work environment lawsuits were a thing even in the US. If I was a HR department and this was reported to me, I would have a very serious talk with the manager right away, and probably take some formal corrective action.
– Magisch
Apr 7 '16 at 7:30
 |Â
show 2 more comments
1
I totally agree, it is definitely harassment in my books.
– Kilisi
Apr 7 '16 at 4:37
2
At least in the USA, it's also necessary to tell the problem individual that his comments are unwelcome before taking further steps. In writing is best, of course.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 5:46
1
@BobRodes That request then becomes a part of the documented evidence.
– Jane S♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:48
1
@JaneS Yes, indeed it does. My point is simply that it's part of standard protocol to do this as a first step, so the individual can't claim that he didn't know that it was offensive.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 6:01
4
@Lilienthal last time I checked hostile work environment lawsuits were a thing even in the US. If I was a HR department and this was reported to me, I would have a very serious talk with the manager right away, and probably take some formal corrective action.
– Magisch
Apr 7 '16 at 7:30
1
1
I totally agree, it is definitely harassment in my books.
– Kilisi
Apr 7 '16 at 4:37
I totally agree, it is definitely harassment in my books.
– Kilisi
Apr 7 '16 at 4:37
2
2
At least in the USA, it's also necessary to tell the problem individual that his comments are unwelcome before taking further steps. In writing is best, of course.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 5:46
At least in the USA, it's also necessary to tell the problem individual that his comments are unwelcome before taking further steps. In writing is best, of course.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 5:46
1
1
@BobRodes That request then becomes a part of the documented evidence.
– Jane S♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:48
@BobRodes That request then becomes a part of the documented evidence.
– Jane S♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:48
1
1
@JaneS Yes, indeed it does. My point is simply that it's part of standard protocol to do this as a first step, so the individual can't claim that he didn't know that it was offensive.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 6:01
@JaneS Yes, indeed it does. My point is simply that it's part of standard protocol to do this as a first step, so the individual can't claim that he didn't know that it was offensive.
– BobRodes
Apr 7 '16 at 6:01
4
4
@Lilienthal last time I checked hostile work environment lawsuits were a thing even in the US. If I was a HR department and this was reported to me, I would have a very serious talk with the manager right away, and probably take some formal corrective action.
– Magisch
Apr 7 '16 at 7:30
@Lilienthal last time I checked hostile work environment lawsuits were a thing even in the US. If I was a HR department and this was reported to me, I would have a very serious talk with the manager right away, and probably take some formal corrective action.
– Magisch
Apr 7 '16 at 7:30
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
5
down vote
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually
harassing me?
That depends on what your goal is in this context.
If you just want to feel like others agree with you that you are being harassed, then you can continue to poll folks here and elsewhere.
If you want to file a harassment lawsuit, then you should consult a labor law attorney in your locale.
If you want to file a case with your worker's compensation board, then you need to contact them and ask what their appeal process is. As you indicated, they already told you "that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating". So ask them what you need to do if you disagree with their ruling/answer.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually
harassing me?
That depends on what your goal is in this context.
If you just want to feel like others agree with you that you are being harassed, then you can continue to poll folks here and elsewhere.
If you want to file a harassment lawsuit, then you should consult a labor law attorney in your locale.
If you want to file a case with your worker's compensation board, then you need to contact them and ask what their appeal process is. As you indicated, they already told you "that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating". So ask them what you need to do if you disagree with their ruling/answer.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually
harassing me?
That depends on what your goal is in this context.
If you just want to feel like others agree with you that you are being harassed, then you can continue to poll folks here and elsewhere.
If you want to file a harassment lawsuit, then you should consult a labor law attorney in your locale.
If you want to file a case with your worker's compensation board, then you need to contact them and ask what their appeal process is. As you indicated, they already told you "that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating". So ask them what you need to do if you disagree with their ruling/answer.
How can I arrive at an understanding of whether my manager is actually
harassing me?
That depends on what your goal is in this context.
If you just want to feel like others agree with you that you are being harassed, then you can continue to poll folks here and elsewhere.
If you want to file a harassment lawsuit, then you should consult a labor law attorney in your locale.
If you want to file a case with your worker's compensation board, then you need to contact them and ask what their appeal process is. As you indicated, they already told you "that it's not bullying or harassment because it's not threatening to my personal safety and it's not in public so it's not humiliating". So ask them what you need to do if you disagree with their ruling/answer.
answered Apr 7 '16 at 12:23


Joe Strazzere
222k102649914
222k102649914
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up vote
3
down vote
How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
Entirely inappropriate, and a decent HR department would turn that into a formal reprimand when reported.
The rest of the statements as you posted them range from merely none of his business to insulting and harassing. I would definitely report this to HR.
Anyways, I feel that this is harassment.
You're most likely right. Go to HR and lay this out. If you ever get something in writing (emails etc) keep that as evidence. Make note (note down) of every time he does this and present specific evidence to HR. A decent HR will see that this is a workplace discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen and take swift corrective action.
Also do tell him to stop before. Best done in writing (email) to create a paper trail.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
Entirely inappropriate, and a decent HR department would turn that into a formal reprimand when reported.
The rest of the statements as you posted them range from merely none of his business to insulting and harassing. I would definitely report this to HR.
Anyways, I feel that this is harassment.
You're most likely right. Go to HR and lay this out. If you ever get something in writing (emails etc) keep that as evidence. Make note (note down) of every time he does this and present specific evidence to HR. A decent HR will see that this is a workplace discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen and take swift corrective action.
Also do tell him to stop before. Best done in writing (email) to create a paper trail.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
Entirely inappropriate, and a decent HR department would turn that into a formal reprimand when reported.
The rest of the statements as you posted them range from merely none of his business to insulting and harassing. I would definitely report this to HR.
Anyways, I feel that this is harassment.
You're most likely right. Go to HR and lay this out. If you ever get something in writing (emails etc) keep that as evidence. Make note (note down) of every time he does this and present specific evidence to HR. A decent HR will see that this is a workplace discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen and take swift corrective action.
Also do tell him to stop before. Best done in writing (email) to create a paper trail.
How is your baby? Do you even know? Do you care?
Entirely inappropriate, and a decent HR department would turn that into a formal reprimand when reported.
The rest of the statements as you posted them range from merely none of his business to insulting and harassing. I would definitely report this to HR.
Anyways, I feel that this is harassment.
You're most likely right. Go to HR and lay this out. If you ever get something in writing (emails etc) keep that as evidence. Make note (note down) of every time he does this and present specific evidence to HR. A decent HR will see that this is a workplace discrimination lawsuit waiting to happen and take swift corrective action.
Also do tell him to stop before. Best done in writing (email) to create a paper trail.
edited Apr 7 '16 at 8:45


Kilisi
94.5k50216376
94.5k50216376
answered Apr 7 '16 at 7:28


Magisch
16.5k134776
16.5k134776
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suggest improvements |Â
up vote
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down vote
I will assume that the manager was told clearly by the OP that his comments were profoundly offensive/unacceptable and that the situation has progressed far beyond anything that could be addressed between manager/employee on their own.
Obviously the manager's behavior was egregious but what makes the situation utterly intractable is that going to HR or whatever "worker's compensation board" is, yielded a denial that it was even a problem (FWIW, I find that implausible and wonder if something more complicated is going on).
If the OP can't move laterally within the org, there really is no choice but to update the resume and get out. Legal remedies are "on the table" for folks that want to effectively make it their life's work to force "justice" upon the employer. The fact is, even in best-case scenarios, outcomes are indeterminate and payouts iffy.
The precise answer the question "what is harassment?" can be looked up, but does it really matter unless legal action is being seriously considered? All the OP really needs to recognize is that the boss is an asshole and HR is indifferent and/or incompetent.
What could it be? Something more complicated going on? Trying to get her to quit?
– user1261710
Apr 7 '16 at 17:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I will assume that the manager was told clearly by the OP that his comments were profoundly offensive/unacceptable and that the situation has progressed far beyond anything that could be addressed between manager/employee on their own.
Obviously the manager's behavior was egregious but what makes the situation utterly intractable is that going to HR or whatever "worker's compensation board" is, yielded a denial that it was even a problem (FWIW, I find that implausible and wonder if something more complicated is going on).
If the OP can't move laterally within the org, there really is no choice but to update the resume and get out. Legal remedies are "on the table" for folks that want to effectively make it their life's work to force "justice" upon the employer. The fact is, even in best-case scenarios, outcomes are indeterminate and payouts iffy.
The precise answer the question "what is harassment?" can be looked up, but does it really matter unless legal action is being seriously considered? All the OP really needs to recognize is that the boss is an asshole and HR is indifferent and/or incompetent.
What could it be? Something more complicated going on? Trying to get her to quit?
– user1261710
Apr 7 '16 at 17:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I will assume that the manager was told clearly by the OP that his comments were profoundly offensive/unacceptable and that the situation has progressed far beyond anything that could be addressed between manager/employee on their own.
Obviously the manager's behavior was egregious but what makes the situation utterly intractable is that going to HR or whatever "worker's compensation board" is, yielded a denial that it was even a problem (FWIW, I find that implausible and wonder if something more complicated is going on).
If the OP can't move laterally within the org, there really is no choice but to update the resume and get out. Legal remedies are "on the table" for folks that want to effectively make it their life's work to force "justice" upon the employer. The fact is, even in best-case scenarios, outcomes are indeterminate and payouts iffy.
The precise answer the question "what is harassment?" can be looked up, but does it really matter unless legal action is being seriously considered? All the OP really needs to recognize is that the boss is an asshole and HR is indifferent and/or incompetent.
I will assume that the manager was told clearly by the OP that his comments were profoundly offensive/unacceptable and that the situation has progressed far beyond anything that could be addressed between manager/employee on their own.
Obviously the manager's behavior was egregious but what makes the situation utterly intractable is that going to HR or whatever "worker's compensation board" is, yielded a denial that it was even a problem (FWIW, I find that implausible and wonder if something more complicated is going on).
If the OP can't move laterally within the org, there really is no choice but to update the resume and get out. Legal remedies are "on the table" for folks that want to effectively make it their life's work to force "justice" upon the employer. The fact is, even in best-case scenarios, outcomes are indeterminate and payouts iffy.
The precise answer the question "what is harassment?" can be looked up, but does it really matter unless legal action is being seriously considered? All the OP really needs to recognize is that the boss is an asshole and HR is indifferent and/or incompetent.
edited Apr 7 '16 at 11:38
answered Apr 7 '16 at 11:24
teego1967
10.3k42845
10.3k42845
What could it be? Something more complicated going on? Trying to get her to quit?
– user1261710
Apr 7 '16 at 17:19
suggest improvements |Â
What could it be? Something more complicated going on? Trying to get her to quit?
– user1261710
Apr 7 '16 at 17:19
What could it be? Something more complicated going on? Trying to get her to quit?
– user1261710
Apr 7 '16 at 17:19
What could it be? Something more complicated going on? Trying to get her to quit?
– user1261710
Apr 7 '16 at 17:19
suggest improvements |Â
6
@Kilisi: The OP does not say that she's married, or that if she is, her spouse is male.
– jamesqf
Apr 7 '16 at 5:33
10
Parts of this seem to have been copied verbatim from this closed question. If it is a real question, it should be asked of a lawyer or a location specified in which case we can only give a basic legal definition of workplace harassment.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 5:41
8
@Kilisi, I don't believe that is what you meant, but this kind of advices suggest that it's kind of okay to do that, unless the women are under the "protection" (support) of a man (typically their husband). And it isn't.
– bilbo_pingouin
Apr 7 '16 at 6:05
5
@bilbo_pingouin While I find Kilisi's advice distasteful, it's still the preferred and sometimes only way of resolving a situation like this in many parts of the world.
– Lilienthal♦
Apr 7 '16 at 6:53
2
I edited this to remove the unnecessary commentary. I also included the country listed in this question which also contained the exact phrases used in this post.
– Elysian Fields♦
Apr 7 '16 at 12:16