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How do I help my coworker avoid sexual harrassment problems?
I have this male coworker and I'm female. He seems like a pretty friendly guy. During my training I was told that I wasn't ever suppose to touch another employee as it could be taken as sexual harassment--even if it was just a little touch that meant nothing to me. I guess I understand that. A meaningless touch from me could make somebody else feel uncomfortable if they thought more of it.
Anyway, my coworker keeps rubbing on my shoulder as he passes me in the hallways and such. (You know, "Hi! How you doin' today?" while touching the shoulder, passingly.) I wouldn't mind because I know he's just being nice and friendly but he had the same training that I did about this, I'm sure. He should be well aware of the rules. The touching doesn't bother me but I don't want somebody else to take the matter to extremes or something. I KNOW he doesn't mean anything by it but I don't want him to get in trouble for his friendly gestures. I'm positive that he's doing this to other coworkers (male and female) as he passes them in the halls because I've seen him a couple of times.
What should I do?
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*puts on federal manager hat*
Ahem. The key to this is perception. This would only become an issue if someone reports him for harrassment. The first step in dealing with harrassing behavior is to address the person in private, then escalate only if the behavior continues.
Obviously, everyone received the same training. He may not see his behavior as a problem. In your place, since he is a friend, I'd mention it breifly, but not make a big deal of it. His behavior is ultimately his responsibility.
Hope this helps.
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Its great that you are concerned. If you feel comfortable enough, and have friendly relations with him, you can tell him in private yourself that you, personally, don't take it as harrassment, but other people might. If you really think his touching is a little more concerning, tell your boss, not in the manner of accusing him of harrassing you, but just as a concerned friend and coworker. Sometimes people make mistakes or forget, no biggy. :-) Good luck!!!
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The people that trained you were just being anal so they don't have any chance of getting involved if there was a sexual harrassment charge. He won't get into any trouble.
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I suggest you should stop looking so much into things if you really aren't bothered by it, if you are tell him to stop. Other than that ... there is absolutely no reason to worry and I think you are overreacting.
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