HR lady at work is bothering me ALL the time?

Question

I've always known that the HR lady at my job has not liked me, but she is really starting to bug me and I want to express my concerns to the HR director. A few months ago she had it in for me because of the way I dressed, she said that my work skirts and dresses were too short and asked if I could only wear pants. When I told her that my skirts met the employee dress code (meaning the hem was past my fingertips) she said they were still too short and sent me home to change (with pay). After contacting the director and having a meeting with all three of us, he stated that I can wear my clothing and that it did in fact meet the employee dress code.

Now she called me into her office and said that a supervisor (which is not my supervisor) claimed that I was distracting her male employees. I have no idea what that means, but I don't know or talk to any of the guys that lady works with. I asked her how and she said when I come around to that section of the company the supervisor said hears males saying comments about my appearance and I distract them from their work, and she also does not want to be liable for sexual harassment. She asked if it's possible that I not enter through that side of the room. I think this whole thing is ridiculous quite frankly. How is it my fault if men can't keep their mouth shut?

I can't believe the HR lady is even telling me this stuff. Anyway I called the HR director to director to discuss this with him. What should I tell him exactly?

Answer 1

Wow. I'm really sorry this is going on for you! Sounds pretty horrible to be around, when all you're trying to do is your job.

Keep a log of all the events - big or small - you never know when you may need them - keep details. You are being singled out for unfair reasons by this HR person, who clearly has a personal issue with you (be it jealously, or whatever). When you speak to the HR director, tell him everything you have told us -- make a few notes so your meeting is clear and concise with a timeline, and not mumbled or jumbled. Don't be heated, be cool and collected and businesslike. You have done nothing wrong. Remember that. Tell him everything that has happened and tell him how you feel like you are being treated unfairly. Tell him you will not hesitate to take this further. He needs to address this with the HR person without making it even worse for you, which could be tricky. SHe may find other new ways to make your life harder after she think you have gotten her in trouble. I suggest you may want to take this to a claim of discrimination and meanwhile, find a nicer place to work where you can be appreciated and are around supportive and friendly colleguges.



Regarding the guys - you do NOT have to deal with sexual harrassment in any way shape or form. The person who answered saying that it is up to the company to train their staff not to behave in this way is totally right! It sucks. Good luck with all this.

Answer 2

What this seems to be is a sexual harassment case. You have the right to contact an attorney. But first you are going to have to tell the HR Director that the lady is harrassing you and that if there is no reprimands are made, then a lawsuit is going to be filed for Sexual Harrassment. This should take the HR lady down a peg or two and if not, then you are more than welcome to persue a harrassment charge with the HR lady. You will need to have to get a co-worker to take a picture of you so that you can have the documentation. That is the most important thing to do.

Answer 3

You may have a discrimination case. if you are meeting the guidelines of the employee dress code you have every right to wear what you are wearing.

It is ridiculous that rather than the supervisor talk to her male employees about not staring or making comments she would rather keep you out of that department. Even worse she asked if you go through a separate door. It is the companies responsibility to train its employees on sexual harassment, it is not yours to dress like a nun and keep away from areas where Men can not keep their mouths shut.

I think Woman can be jealous of other females that get more attention than them. My advise is to document these incidents and in due time contact a lawyer.

Answer 4

Here's the thing. If you are walking through this area and the guys are commenting - it is sexual harassment. Now, maybe you aren't aware of it, because it happens out of your ear shot. However, the issue is NOT you. The issue is the pigs in the group that are making the comments. It sounds like your company needs to have a large scale refresher course on appropriate activities in the workplace. I'd suggest it to the HR Director.

Answer 5

The HR lady has screwed herself by asking you to change you actions because others are bordering on sexual harassment. Talk to the HR director. If he isn't an idiot he will be on your side just like he was with the dress thing.

Answer 6

Do as the HR lady asks!! Does it really impact you to walk through a different door or wear pants or a longer skirt?!?



OK, it is ridiculous. But to me, it sounds like you are instigating by just not doing what you are are asked.