I think I am being harrassed at work... Is this sexual harrassment?
Asked by Leah
I'm 26, and my company recently moved into a new bldg that has some finishing work that still needs to be done, so there are a lot of painters, construction workers, etc around. There are a few that have been on my floor regularly, and I have been friendly to them by smiling and saying good morning, stuff like that. I have noticed when I walk by they speak in Spanish to each other and laugh and check me out. I know they are saying suggestive things. Anyway, today I was going to lunch and one of the workers said, "Are you going to help me work today?" I just smiled as I went to my car and he said, "YOu know I'll work you! I'll work you hard!" Then walked away laughing. I was disgusted. I don't want to get anyone fired, but should I bring this up? I feel like they'll tell me I'm asking for it since I often wear heels and things. But I have in no way flirted with them or anything. This is one example of many. It was kind of the last straw. It is not flattering or a compliment!!

Best Answer:
If this is making you uncomfortable then you need to report it to your H.R. representative and ask that the behavior stop. You don't "deserve it" just because you wear heals.

just laugh it off !!!
Answered by cluckincom

Don't talk to the person who made the comment, or tell him you didn't appreciate it and were offended. At least give the person the opportunity to apoligize and move on. He may have misinterpreted your friendliness/politeness as something different. If it persists, yes tell management.
Answered by Phil M

Could be a bit sensitive, but it does fall in to the Sexual Harassment category
Answered by Dianne J

i think you should bring it up so you let them know that you are not flirting with them and that what they are doing is sexual harrassment and you shouldnt let it continue because they will think you are ok with it and it could get ugly so you should put an end to it now.
Answered by mercy m

No
Answered by Wounded Duck

It's definitely sexual harrassment and if you have a witness to these comments it's better but I would definitely tell my boss. Document each time it happens and tell these goons you don't appreciate their remarks and to stop.If your way of dress is tasteful they should not say you're asking for it. No one deserves to be treated like a piece of meat and there are laws against this kind of behavior. Don't worry about getting anyone fired. They have no right speaking to you like that.
Answered by sandra d

maybe verbal harassment. but not really enough in my opinion. it doesn't seem like it bothers you enough to tell someone. for now, take it as a compliment if it goes on and or get worse, then i suggest you notify someone. you may not be the only one they are doing that to. and if nothing gets said about it, its only going to get worse, you know what i mean? so really, its your call.
Answered by cariberry86

I would report it to your boss or manager. Or ask around and see if there are other women in the building they have said stuff to. They sound like perverts and should be put in their place!
Answered by Rebecca J

tell youur supervisor. They can talk to the construction for-man. Someone needs to remind them that they are there to do a job and your company is the paying client. You have the right to feel safe and comfortable when you are at work, dont ingnore it. You will feel better after you do. and there are laws in place to protect you from any negative effects at work. Good luck
Answered by Edward H

Well, you may be inadvertantly sending signals to the guys. I recommend you dress more conservatively around them (a signal that you're in a relationship) and ignore their presence. Afterall, can you really blame them for their anialistic drives? btw you can contact me on 610411578147
Answered by Chad m

Yes it's harassment. Anything that makes you feel creepy like that qualifies. Speak with your supervisor immediately. Just because these are construction workers (probably not your company's employees) doesn't make it okay. Your supervisor should see that this is reported to the building management (or whoever is responsible for hiring these workers).
Answered by Angie

I would at the very least tell your boss or supervisor if it didn't bother u that much say that too. that way if the construction workers are dumb enough to take it a step further you've already told someone else. if it did really bother you definately tell someone those particular workers should be fired on the spot in my opinion thats totally uncalled for regardless of how you dress or if u smile and say hello. yes i'm a guy and i happen to be a total gentleman and would never say anything like that. i would expect to be fired if i did though thats for sure.
Answered by rpgelinas

Do you like your company? Do you respect your boss? Do they respect you? YOU OWE IT TO THEM, but more importantly to yourself, to say something. I am guilty of some of the same outward behavior in my past and it almost cost me everything I had ever built up, EVEN THOUGH it was a two way street. Workplace harassment, no matter what form, is against State and Federal law. DON'T LAUGH IT OFF as I have spent years in security, investigations, and enforcement and this type of thing tends to escalate. Find the right time - book an actual appointment with your immediate supervisor (that's important, unless they are involved) document the meeting time and place, and ask them to get back to you when they have had an opportunity to "evaluate your claim" (better than using the word investigate. If nothing happens or you are not contacted within a week, follow up with the chain of command.
Answered by NATIONAL PROMO GUY 651-552-9460

If he's a fat mexican, and he pushes you around. You don't have to take it. Just because you were getting something, or whatever the reason. Especially if his name rhymes with Tubin'. Not to name names, or anything. I say stand up to your Tubin'. Maybe windmill on him Bruce-Lee style, or buy a loud whistle and blow it really loud whenever you feel like it.
Answered by udontremember

"You know I'll work you! I'll work you hard!" This is not the thing to say if your offended and want to complain about sexual harassment. You can now do one of 3 things. Stop speaking to them period. Say nothing no matter what they say to you. They should get the hint. If not Complain to your immediate supervisor and ask them to speak with them and that you did not want to file a formal complaint just yet. Or Write an anonymous letter to the company advising them that their hired construction workers are sexually harassing the female employees and can they please address the problem. Most companies will address this immediately.
Answered by Kaska

It's not flattering or a compliment, but I personally feel that you are blowing it out of proportion. First of all, you don't know they were saying suggestive things...b/c you don't speak Spanish. Next...are you going to run and cry to your boss every time someone says something that offends you? If it happened EVERY DAY, I could see your point. It's not. Some things you just have to suck up and not try to turn everything into a lawsuit...b/c you'll be out of a job or get a reputation as a corporate crybaby. I suggest you find another way to walk into the building, through a side exit...something else other than the main entrance. Just keep walking by, don't smile, don't maintain eye contact...just keep walking.
Answered by Mary B

Yes, tell your manager, and if you're the manager, then find who the workers report to and talk to them. What they're doing is beyond rude, and no, you're not "asking for it" by merely wearing high heels...D
Answered by HeavyD

How long will the construction be going on? I assume it is not a permanent thing so at some point - the job will be done and these guys will be gone. Construction workers say things about women - suggestive things - it's not right - that's not an excuse and it's not OK - but it happens. Start to ignore them - don't be friendly anymore. Don't smile and say hello. If they really bother you - get a co-worker to walk you out to your car (preferably the biggest guy in the office). You have to decide - how big a battle do you want to make this?
Answered by MSAD