One of my bosses keeps getting entangled in HR complaints (mostly harassment) and has now resorted to odd forms of retaliation that on the surface don't appear to be retaliation.

Anonymous

March 14,2024 at 2:25AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

One of my bosses keeps getting entangled in HR complaints (mostly harassment) and has now resorted to odd forms of retaliation that on the surface don't appear to be retaliation. We are a small staff so most of the people involved in some of these incidents are involved in more than one based on scheduled hours; however, the boss in question is now trying to make it seem like a conspiracy to get him fired. The reality is that he has learned not one thing from his problematic behavior being called out by employees, management, and corporate. Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

Regina BrownMarch 14,2024 at 3:10AM UTC
It sounds as though he really and truly believes he is doing nothing wrong but the fact of the matter is...he is...and it is illegal and possibly putting the entire business at risk.
It may be time for the other leaders to have an honest conversation about EVERY. SINGLE. INCIDENT. to find out why he thinks that his behavior was appropriate.
AnonymousMarch 14,2024 at 1:09PM UTC
Two things:
Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get you.
-and-
Just because people are out to get you doesn't mean you don't deserve it.
I'm afraid I have to disagree with your statement, "The reality is that he has learned not one thing from his problematic behavior being called out by employees, management, and corporate." He has learned how to twist his behavior into something he can call a conspiracy.
AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 5:24PM UTC
If you feel what he is doing is retaliation for complaints then it is. Track it and memorialize it and be sure to send yourself copies to personal email as well. Be sure to clue HR in stay unemotional about it, just the facts Ma'am and be sure to say no if it is something specific you are asked to do. If you feel unsafe or any way personally jeopardized do file a formal complaint outside of the company with the EEOC.
AnonymousMarch 16,2024 at 6:27PM UTC
Either Management will fire him or they won't. If they won't every one else needs to quit, because he's clearly not believing that he is the problem. My two cents worth.
JJMarch 18,2024 at 6:01AM UTC
Someone who still has a job after being called out by employees, management and corporate does not have to learn anything. Why change if there are no consequences?