by Nicole Long

Created on: March 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

You navigate your office much like a war zone. You don't go down that hallway or go to that break room because you're afraid of who you'll run into. This is most often the first attempt at dealing with inappropriate advances from a boss. You try to avoid running into that person at all costs. Avoidance is certainly an admirable attempt at removing yourself from the problem, however it rarely solves it. Dealing with this type of behavior at work can be very intimidating and awkward.

Most companies today have the standard workplace sexual harrassment training classes. They go over what isn't appropriate and ask you to sign on the dotted line that you have read and understand the issue. While taking the class you pay attention but you don't really ever think it will happen to you. Much like everything else in life. You just assume it's not going to happen, then it does.

You might ignore the first advance as an attempt that failed because you turned them down. When that person doesn't seem to take the rejection for what it is, and continues with inappropriate advances, you need to deal with it correctly. Don't second guess yourself. If the advances make you feel uncomfortable, you aren't being ridiculous. This is happening and you need to know how to handle it.

The first step is to examine your options for reporting it. If the person making the advances is your direct supervisor, you obviously need to take the complaint elsewhere. If that person isn't your direct supervisor, start by confiding in your supervisor about what has happened and ask for their guidance in reporting the advances. If you aren't taken seriously, make a formal complaint to your human resource office. Make sure you note the dates and times of each and every occurrence and what the conversation was that took place.

Even in the current economic times, it is vital that you don't allow a boss to get away with sexual harrassment. It is never appropriate and should be reported. You probably aren't the only employee with a complaint. Most times these type of people don't just focus on one person. They just think they are above being disciplined and use their authority to intimidate their subordinates. Don't let this happen to you. You deserve the right to come to work in a pleasant environment. If you make a report and nothing is done about the behavior contact legal aid or a lawyer in your area.

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