by Storm Sage

Created on: March 17, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

Inappropriate advances from any work collegue but inparticulary a boss (given the level of repsonsiblity) should not be tolerated by any employee, be they female or male. Such behaviour can leave the victim feeling fearful, confused, uncomfortable and doubting themselves. If this is happening to you there are a number of steps that you can take.

Are you able to speak frankly to your boss, informing them in no uncertain terms that their behaviour is inappropriate. In some cases it can be a simple misunderstanding or bad humor, so if you feel you are able, confrontation as soon as possible is the best option, providing there will be no negative repercussions directed towards you.

Many victims feel that they are unable to confront their boss regarding inappropriate advances for a number of reason; fear of loosing their job, fear of being ridiculed by other workers, fear of being unable to get another job if they speak out, fear of their boss in general, the list goes on. The main thing to realise here is that people do not speak out because of fear and in the majority of cases this is exactly what the boss who 'intentionally' makes inappropriate advances wants their victim to feel.

If you are confused about the situation one of the best things to do if you are female employee is to ask yourself, 'would this be happening to me if I were a male employee' and visa versa for male employees. If the answer is no, then do not be confused this IS sexual harrassement.

From here there are a number of steps you can/should take:

- Follow your workplace complaints process (if you feel there will be no repercussions this is a quick and effective way to deal with the problem),

- Inform a fellow employee or another boss (this ensures that you will have witnesses to be called upon if needed),

- Seek help and advice from an external source e.g. counsellor, support groups, relevant governing body, legal advisers (this ensures you have a factual understanding of your rights),

- Document the incidents of inappropriate advances in a diary (a diary is a legal document and can be submitted as evidence),

- If the situation is having a physical impact on you e.g. stress, anxiety, depression; consult your doctor (your medical practitioner and/or their notes may be asked to provide an opinion on how this has impacted on your health and mental state).

All of the above ensure that there is a paper trail to be followed, detailing the avenues that you have taken to solve the issue of inappropriate advances. If all else fails and the issue ends with legal proceedings this paper trail will prove very effective in providing evidence for your case.

Ultimately if you can simply ask your boss to cease their inappropriate advances, will be your best option and hopefully you will not need to undertake the further points of advice I have offered.

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