harassment – Ask the Workplace Doctors

Managers and Supervisors Won’t Promote Me

July 19, 2017July 20, 2017 Tina Lewis Rowe

A question to Ask the Workplace Doctors about having
a non-supportive supervisor and manager

Question:

In the place where I work, a few managers hate me because they are racist. I want to get a promotion, but I’m afraid they will turn me down. Even if I get the position they will annoy me a lot, because they don’t respect me.

The only thing I do that they might not like is that I turn my head and do not say “Hi” to them. They are not my managers now, but if I get a promotion they will be my managers. My supervisor says bad things about me because I am smart and he feels jealous of me. So, I need a miracle to prove how much I work. That’s why I am so serious at my workplace and don’t smile.

A Problem Workplace–But Two Coworkers Are The Worst

December 28, 2016December 28, 2016 Tina Lewis Rowe

Question:

This has been going on for a while. And I admit that I have irritated my coworkers which I have been seeking therapy for. I had a baby this year so the hormones have not helped. This is going to be long. First, a little background: Recently we just had a manager get terminated because she was not only discriminating against certain employees but she also got caught in borderline illegal activity. This has resulted in her telling other things about me that were not true and her telling them about some personal medical information, as well as some complaints about some unethical workplace issues I had. Okay, now with that background I need some advice with an ongoing issue.

What Can I Do to Prevent a Repeat of Problem Behavior By a Colleague Toward Younger Staff?

June 26, 2016June 26, 2016 Tina Lewis Rowe

A Question to Ask the Workplace Doctors: What should I do to ensure my staff
is treated appropriately by someone
who has behaved inappropriately in the past?

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Question:
I have a male colleague who has placed several junior staff (15-20+ years younger; mostly but not entirely female) in uncomfortable situations over the years: getting drunk to the point that they have to take him home to his wife since he can’t stand up straight (injuring themselves accidentally in the process), calling female colleagues while drunk and then lying to his wife about who he’s talking to, getting drunk in front of clients and having colleagues need to “clean up” after (including both helping him as he throws up as well as dealing with the clients), and so on.

Not Promoted Due To Reprisal for a Harassment Complaint I Made in the Past

September 29, 2014September 29, 2014 Tina Lewis Rowe

A question to Ask the Workplace Doctors about how to show that being passed over for promotion is reprisal for a harassment complaint made eight years ago.

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Eight years ago I filed a sexual harassment complaint against my manager for making unwarranted physical contact with me and it was my word against his. The end result was that he was removed from the office and given the option to retire, being that he was eligible.

I have been with the company for 21 years and have been a model employee, never call in nor do I have any disciplinary action in my file. I have applied for many positions for the last eight years, only to be denied. I have detailed (acted in positions) in several departments, received a good report upon completion and then denied upon interviewing for upward mobility. Some departments I have detailed in more than once.

Was This An Inappropriate Comment?

November 17, 2013November 17, 2013 Tina Lewis Rowe

Question: to Ask the Workplace Doctors about being accused of making an inappropriate comment.

At the end of a workday I was riding down in an elevator with a female coworker and a high level male manager (I am male). After the female coworker exited the elevator and as we continued down in the elevator, I remarked to the manager that that was a very appropriate color dress she was wearing today (It was Halloween and the coworker was wearing a bright orange dress). The manager replied back to me that that was a very inappropriate comment that I had just made. The remainder of the elevator ride was silent. I’m sensitive and aware of workplace issues regarding sexual harassment, but was my comment really inappropriate?

Are Belittling Comments Harassment?

August 17, 2010August 17, 2010 Tina Lewis Rowe

Question to Ask the Workplace Doctors about a boss who belittles with mean remarks:

What is considered harassment in an office? My boss belittles me in the office, making comments about me. Some are personal, nothing to do with work. None are sexual just mean, very verbal comments about my personality. It has gone on for three years and being in such a small town it is hard to move on and find another job. I hate the eye rolling and heavy breathing he does instead of just being blunt and saying what he needs. Then comes the verbal comments.Is there anything we as employees can do?