Office Policies

Q: We have someone in a manager positon who is having a "fling"(if you get my drift) with one of the other workers. They probably think they are keeping it secret, but it is becoming more aware to all of us around. There is a huge age difference between the two (he being much older and married). This girl (young and divorced) definitely receives preferential treatment. What is the proper way of dealing with this (or reporting it). Its not fair that this person is getting special treatment over the other 20 some employees. Do we report this to HR Dept or just hope eventually it gets found out or stops. It is causing tension at the workplace. Any suggestions.

A: If the guy in question is your direct supervisor, go to his superior. If not, go to the person you answer to and explain your concerns. I'd couch it in such a fashion that it's clear your concern is for the company and any legal ramifications they may face were this situation to become more well known. Bear in mind, in most states sexual harrassment claims are not just for someone directly harassed. The company is likely also responsible for not creating a workplace environment of discomfort (I'm not wording

this well but you know what I mean, I hope.) To illustrate, years ago a guy was harassing me at work. I'd gone to him privately and asked him to lay off (which he did) since my preference was to handle it privately at first. But another female co-worker reported the incident and filed a claim against the company (citing me as well, for allowing the situation. Ugh.) She claimed it was an inhospitable work environment and eventually settled with the company. In other words, let the superior know this situation, though not directly involving you, makes you and others feel uncomfortable. It's not a bad idea to recruit a similar thinking colleague or two to do the same thing.