HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

I'm going to speak to my HR rep today regarding the behavior of a co-worker (who is supposed to be a manager!) that is very inappropriate. Rude, belittling, comments about clothes, you name it.

I don't want this manager to know it was me that went to HR. Is this information that is required to be kept confidential?

TIA!!

Re: HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

It can go in a couple of different ways.

I know where I work, HR is clearly to protect the company and not necessarily to advocate for employees that may feel they have an issue with a supervisor.

Where I work at present, I probably would avoid HR for that reason.

Especially if it was someone in charge of ME.

I personally would probably leave then go that route.

Message edited 4/15/2011 10:00:40 AM.

Re: HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

At a previous job, a co-worker made me feel very uncomfortable with a comment. Like seeing me in a swimsuit. I felt so uneasy.

I talked to my boss about it because I wanted someone to know about it. Before you know it, HR was involved.

It spiraled in a way I did not realize it would.

Just be prepared for a nightmare. I have known some HR people who reported to the boss everything the employees would come and say to HR to complain about him.

Needless to say, nobody trusted that HR rep after that.

I am not saying you should not say anything, just be ready that it might not go the way you thought it would.

Re: HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

I have seen things turn around at my company when I had to speak to a manager about touching employees - things like putting his hand on their arm to stop them from talking, etc. It was easier because he did it to everyone.

It may or may not be kept confidential depending both on company policy & the HR staff. Some companies have a policy that you have the right to know who is accusing them.

If it's a pattern with the manager where he speaks to other people in the same way, it's easier to address the general nature than specifics.

The main reason I'd go to HR is they have to take action since you've notified them AND if the manager is retaliatory, you've got your bases covered. Start documenting dates, times, incidents NOW & keep the record at home. Also watch your own back in terms of your own work performance.

Re: HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

Thanks for your input everyone, though its kind of discouraging. I work hard, and don't deserve to be treated this way--I hate feeling helpless

Re: HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

no offense to the HR people on here, but I have never had good experience with them. Especially if you are the reportee, you will only shoot yourself in the foot. i had some very legitimate issues with my manager at the last company I worked for and went to HR - I thought it worked but I was wrong - suddenly about a month later out of nowhere my position was eliminated. (This was prior to the recession)

ETA: If this person is making your life very miserable I would suggest looking for another job. Sorry to sound so negative but seniority will always win.

Message edited 4/17/2011 5:39:41 PM.

Re: HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

I agree with the other posters, I have never had a good experience with HR. They have never proven to be for the employee.

Message edited 4/27/2011 8:45:16 AM.

Re: HR people - Inappropriate co-worker

Ah, the bane of my professional existance - sucky HR Departments!

I can say, as HR, we always listen and do a fair assessment of the situation.

That usually involves hearing both sides of an issue.

Which usually means talking to both parties.

It's hard to go to someone and say "someone has been saying that you have done xyz" without them realizing who it is.

You have to understand that we can't just say "Oh, you think your co-worker is belittling? Let's fire them!"

A good HR person though, will let you know what they plan to do and give you a heads up about the situation and the decision to withdraw your complaint or pursue it.

I can say that if you brought these comments to ME, and it was the first time I heard such a complaint I would recommend that the three of us sit down and discuss the issues so that the air could be cleared.

Maybe the person doesn't realize that what they've said or done offended you.

They get a change to ammend and change their ways.

And if not and we continue to hear issues, then we take corrective action.

On the other hand, if you came to me and you were the 9th person to say the same thing about that person, you could be the straw that broke the back and the reason to terminate the employee.

I always say it's better to speak up then suffer in silence.

Good luck with whatever you decide.