A safe place for women is a myth. Women and girls always have to stay on high alert in any kind of surroundings. Nowadays, women have gradually started opening up about harassment in workplaces too. We need to be vocal about and take quick action instead of fearing the consequences. In a Reddit thread, the users shared their opinions on how to deal with creepy co-workers at their workplaces. While it was heartbreaking to hear some of the stories where users chose the option of quitting rather than speaking up against it, some Reddit users shared their stories of how they boldly dealt with such a situation. Here are a few ways that you take if an annoying co-worker is trying to make your life hell at the office.
Confront The Co-Worker
Be upfront and brave. Trying to speak to the problematic colleague first, and put forth your stand. Ask them to stop being creepy and be firm. Remind him of his limits but be a little polite in the first conversation.
https://tenor.com/search/face-to-face-gifs
Make A Note Of His Actions!
Be alert make notes of his problematic behavior, and tell other colleagues to keep a check too. It is always helpful to have witnesses when you take the incidents to the higher authorities.
Speak To Your Manager About It!
Take this as your next step. A Reddit user shared their story about sexual harassment at the workplace and that they immediately went up to their manager for help. The incident was then taken to the HR. In such situations, it is very easy for women to feel ashamed and bad about themselves, however, one should know that it’s their creepy colleague who’s at fault and should be reported. There’s no shame in raising your voice against it, it makes your stand clear.
Don’t Feel Guilty
Remember, you’re not the one at fault here. It’s very important to keep your mental peace intact in such situations, and that will help you make the right decisions. Don’t overthink, and blame yourself for a man’s creepy behaviour at work.
https://giphy.com/gifs/tlceurope-yes-yep-indeed-bfOulTvWb6rXTNmnKD
Also Read: Avoiding Co-workers At Office Helps In Releasing Stress Says This Study. Okay, But How To Avoid The Boss?
Take Legal Actions If Needed!
This may sound like extra effort, however, if the situation is not being taken care of in the office itself, talk to the higher management. Be ready to take legal action against your colleagues if the situation demands.
Silence is harmful, and remember, nobody will stand for you if you don’t be brave enough to do it yourself first! Letting such things go may be the easiest option to avoid the mess, but it only gives the man the unnecessary strength to do the same thing with other female colleagues too. Such men should be reminded of their limits and they deserve to go through the consequences of their shameful actions, not YOU!