Location: AL
A false rumor was brought to me today, as another coworker made the claim that “I am sleeping with one of the managers.” I denied the accusation then he continued to ask if it was true, even stating that I’ve “gotta be banging the manager” and that “I didn’t ask him which manager” when I said it’s not true to which I felt was pointless because I am not messing with any manager, I don’t need to know who supposedly with. The conversation went back and forth a couple of times, but I could tell by the manner in which he asked, that this was an ongoing topic of discussion among others.
I feel so disrespected being approached about this in this way as if he was waiting for me to “confirm it”. I’m a young woman in a male dominated field, where we consist of three locations and rumors like this spread FAST not only among different locations, but in this field of work (Car sales). I plan to bring it up to my higher ups, but I want the matter to be taken seriously and in defense of myself & I don’t trust that it will. How should I best go about a claim of this matter without “sweeping it under the rug”?
Comments
When you take it to your manager/HR, you are not being “defamed.” You are being sexually harassed by your co-workers.
Start keeping a log, with dates and times, of what happens (starting with a recap of that conversation). Emailing yourself each time works for a timestamp, but make sure it’s an account and device the company does not have access to. Get anything you can in writing. If you have a verbal conversation, email the person later with a summary of the conversation and a subtle request for correction (“Let me know if I misunderstood what you said”). BCC a personal address or take a picture of the email with your phone and email it to yourself.
r/askHR will have more advice on how to handle conversations with management.
If they do nothing about it, or fire you, then it’s time to pursue legal options.
I would record everything, literally.
Also, get an attorney to speak to HR on your behalf. This will get the ball rolling in your court. HR isn’t there to defend you, only the company.
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