If you have been at the receiving end of unsolicited and inappropriate videos at work, it is not just unpleasant and intimidating, it is also illegal.
This is just one example of workplace sexual harassment and the fact that a manager might be doing it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it.
The following tips may help you realize that there are steps you can take to get this sort of behavior stopped. It is your employer’s legal responsibility to ensure sexual harassment does not ruin your life and work output at work.
Tip 1: Ask Your Harasser to Stop
Once you have received the first inappropriate video, ideally you should act right away by politely but firmly asking your manager to stop.
Email or text your request, as well as telling him or her face to face, as you can then keep the request as evidence. Tell your manager that it makes you feel uncomfortable and that it is affecting the way you carry out your work in a negative way.
Tip 2: Keep a Paper Trail
Keep a written record or on computer of the dates you were sent these videos and what they showed. This sort of ‘paper trail’ is important as evidence if the practice continues or if you are at the receiving end of other forms of sexual harassment by the same manager.
You may to let a coworker know what has happened at the same time as they may be asked to corroborate your story if you decide to file a complaint. Any responses you make to the inappropriate videos should be regarded as part of your paper trail.
Tip 3: File a Formal Letter With HR
If you are lucky, the harassment may stop and you can get on with your job undisturbed, but because it is a manager sending you the video(s), this may take a firmer approach.
If the behavior does continue after asking for it to stop, you should file a formal letter of complaint with HR or whichever section of your workplace which is a level above your manager.
In your letter of complaint you should detail what has been occurring, how you feel about it, when it occurred, who was the sender of the inappropriate videos and what you did in response. This is where your paper trail will come in useful.
If your employer through HR does not respond adequately to your complaint, there are options for you to consider. Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal according to both state and federal legislation and there are agencies that can investigate your complaint to see that no employment laws are being broken. Your employer cannot fire you for complaining about sexual harassment.
Tip 4: Speak to an Attorney
If your employer does not deal with the harassment you are experiencing, you may need the services of an employment law attorney with sexual harassment in the workplace experience to help you with your legal options.
The main initial option is to file a formal complaint with a state or federal government anti discrimination agency, presenting evidence such as your ‘paper trail’. Your attorney can help you file a lawsuit in court if there is still no resolution of the problem.
