I am interested in your thoughts and advice, especially if you have had some personal experience of a similar nature.
In my guy's case, the comment was verbal and was made a month before the complaint and the complaint was made a week after the accuser got caught by my guy violating a procedure and informed her boss, who doesn't like him because, if I have the story right, she (the boss) blames him for not getting a promotion.
The comment, made to the subordinate and overheard at the time by her boss, whom my guy was on the way to talk to about some work matter or other, was something along the lines of "Did you move? I haven't seen you here early like I used to."
And then they (two newish HR people, female, of course) also dredged up a comment he made over two years ago about someone having a nice dress on, or something like that. I believe this was another situation where the person complained about a month later when she too got in trouble for violating a procedure.
(He is in a position to see violations based on alerts he gets on the system about things. It is literally his job to look into these and take some sort of action, which has, in the past resulted in people getting fired who have friends still at the company who are upset about that. It tends to be more so women who get in trouble just because they are the ones who hold the positions that these alerts concern.)
Thank you in advance.
Very simple, you can, and likely will get fired.
Sounds very minor given rulz in the past, but in these daze it’s MAJOR.
The chicklet is obviously a victim and needs to have HR vindicate her ridiculous complaint.
[And you think the Legal System is broken...]
North Carolina is an employee at will state. So unless there’s something in your employee handbook about progressive discipline, the company has the right to fire you for good reason bad reason for no reason at all as long as it’s not related to race, sex, national origin, gender, religion, etc. Commenting on a woman’s looks in today’s business world is an absolute no-no. I advise clients on these issues all the time. If I were advising the company in this matter, I would probably just have them give you a verbal counseling/warning. But if it’s a large corporation, they might pull the trigger and fire you. Also, you have no case for retaliation. Good luck!
Most likely he is already fired and hasn’t gotten the notice yet. Companies are scared to death of lawsuits over sexual harassment. If he does manage to keep his job, they are going to make his life a living hell in that company until he quits. HR departments are full of woke petty tyrants with BS degrees that HATE men. And she has already shown her vindictiveness so this won’t be the last time she lodges a complaint.
The exception?
When promoting people ONLY choose based on merit... the best qualited man, woman, sexual weirdo or person of grievance group - whoever's best at what the job requires...
Just another reason to completely ignore women in the workplace.
It can only get you into trouble.
The thread is confusing since you brought in your friend in a similar situation.
Trying to ignore that, as a female, you have a pretty solid shield there. If she’s trying to paint you as a lesbian harasser, you’re doubly shielded.
I’m guessing you don’t have a union to represent you, but don’t say ANYTHING in the hearing a couple of days from now. If the finding is damaging to your career, consult a lawyer, but DON’T SAY ANYTHING!!!
Best of luck, and if you think of it, FReepmail me with what happened.
As unfortunate as it is, he needs to start looking for a new job. He is totally screwed in the world of Corporate HR
Sounds like E. Jean Carroll part three, not two because Carroll’s planning to take action on things Trump said after the first verdict.
My comment: I too work for banks. I refuse to discuss anything aside from work other than 1) my dog 2) hiking which I enjoy or 3) the weather.
I really don’t care if people think I have no life or am shallow or am a robot or whatever. I simply will not take the chance of having my career negatively impacted by something like this.
When Covid came along and they forced me to work from home, I discovered how much I love it. Now there is utterly no reason to ever chit chat with female colleagues and no contact with HR - that’s exactly how I want it.
In one text, I said she was “pretty and young”.
How was that known?
“She filed a complaint two days ago against me with HR. We last texted 3 months ago”
Such timing would make it more likely that non-contact was the cause of her uncomfort and not contact.
I went through a nightmare like this many years ago. I’d go hardcore on HR, let them know they will get sued if this goes further.
Even the trivial is now serious.
The first time that a woman complains about making her uncomfortable should be the last time you have any deal things with her. You are better off to send a woman subordinate, if you are able, to deal with her. If you must deal with her, stick with yes or no answers only. No friendly conversations.
Does the person involved have a contract, or is a member of a union? If either is true, then the person has considerable protection. He might well weather the storm.
But if not, then the person is basically an at-will employee, and can be fired for any reason. Or for no reason at all.
In that latter case, it all depends on how much the person needs the job. If his family depends on his income, then there is no shame in groveling (for the lack of a better word). And I’m quite serious about this. It’s a woke world. You’ve got to pick your hill to die on. And this isn’t it.
Side story: I once overheard an older co-worker of mine talk to a new hire. “Here’s the most important phrase to use here,” the old guy said. “It’s ‘I’m sorry. It will never happen again.’”
I was a bit taken aback by that. But now I know that the old guy was correct. 100% correct. You can win just by surviving.
Alliances
Character alliances
Witnesses
The buddy system
Video tape
In one text, I said she was “pretty and young”.
yer done...
Keep a detailed diary; maintain a system of secure copies.
Keep living. Eat right. Get exercise. Sleep right.
Pray.