Workplace Harassment
Q: I need some general advice on handling a workplace harassment issue.
I work with a very unstable individual who accuses me of everything
from him having a bad weekend, to blaming me for his sore feet, to
blaming me for supposedly "stealing his focus" when he does something wrong.
I have made it perfectly clear to management and the union which
negotiates our contract that this person is to stay clear of me.
They understand the issue, but after years of harassment in another
department the fool has followed me to my current department.
I have chosen to ignore this individual since it is a waste of time
to talk to him like an adult or to attempt to reason with him. I have
in the past suggested that this person be given direction towards
seeking professional psychiatric care, but most observers find it to be a
big joke. It is not quite a joke when this individual is constantly
coniving ways in which to slander my reputation, lie about me taking
things of his, and the latest incident: Someone turned the lights
out on him while he was in the bathroom, and of course I supposedly did it.
This fool needs to grow up. He is about 42 years old and acts like
a little juvenile when things appear to have caught up with him.
This individual needs to be stopped in his tracks either legally or
via psychiatric care, so what would be the best route to take in dealing
with the issue?
A: 1. Make sure you've documented every instance. It's very difficult to make a case without specific instances of harassment, including the date, witnesses, and quotes. 2. Go to your company's HR manager or director.