Work Email: “My employer is giving me advance notices on my company email, what should I do to get rid of it?”

Tiphaine’s question

Hi Stefania,

It’s been a few weeks since my supervisor, who recently got divorced, made advances on me. He started sending me unprofessional messages on my company email, first offering me coffee, which I declined, then drinks and dinner… I try to respond as little as possible, but he reminds me regularly. I feel a bit stuck because I don’t want to get fired and at the same time I find this situation completely inappropriate and embarrassing.

Thanks in advance for your reply!

Typhaine

The response from our HR manager

Dear Tiphaine,

What I propose to you at first glance: a nice slap in the middle of the open space? Sure, it is a radical solution that can do some good, but it would put you in an uncomfortable position! So avoid it… at least as a first intention. But keep your right hook in reserve, you never know!

Violence solves nothing, especially in business! However, when faced with a pushy colleague, a heavy-handed manager, or an employer who fancies himself a Casanova, it can be difficult to keep your cool.

Before we get to the real anti-stupid plan, a little digression is in order!

Romantic relationships in the workplace have always existed and will continue to exist. They are also protected by Article 9 of the Civil Code relating to respect for private life, and by Article L.1132-1 of the Labor Code to guarantee the principle of non-discrimination. That said, These are consensual relationships.between responsible adults. Of course, this can get complicated when there is a hierarchical relationship between the two people. But even then, romantic relationships at work are legal! And so much the better, because sometimes great stories are born in the office, HR says!

The problem is that in your case you are not well and your boss does not seem to understand.

Can we already talk about sexual harassment, especially managerial harassment?

Let’s see what the law says: sexual harassment is defined by comments or behaviors with sexual or sexist connotations, repeatedly imposed, and damaging to the dignity of the employee due to their humiliating or degrading nature, or which create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
The phrase “repeatedly” is often frustrating, but it is important. I will explain it to you with two simple examples:

• If your boss blackmails you, for example a pay raise in exchange for an intimate relationship, this is directly considered sexual harassment. No need to repeat here, this is a criminal offense!

• When the facts are less serious – such as insistent messages – that’s where repetition comes into play, and that’s exactly what you experience.

First thing to do: save everything!

Step 2: Tell him clearly that his behavior bothers you, that you are not interested and that he must stop immediately. Normally, if he is not a complete idiot, he will stop. In this case it is not sexual harassment. But if he continues, if he repeats his actions, he is crossing the legal line and you must not put up with it. Never!

Talk about it around you

Colleagues, managers, family, friends… Their support will lighten your mental load and allow you to see things more clearly even if it doesn’t solve the problem. You don’t have to go through this alone. Does your company have a harassment representative or a CSE? These resources are there to support you in reporting the facts. The human resources department is also a strong ally, don’t hesitate to ask for help, you will usually find people trained to handle this type of situation.

Once the facts are reported, your employer, or his representative, has the obligation to take action.

They will have to put protective measures in place for you and an investigation may be opened to assess the situation. Often, the perpetrator is given a protective dismissal (a temporary measure), just long enough to shed light on the matter and ensure your safety.

Talk to Occupational Health

If your boss is the source of the matter and you feel uncomfortable speaking up internally, you can also contact occupational medicine or the labor inspectorate. These external entities can intervene to stop his actions.

Disciplinary sanction and filing of complaint

What happens next? You will definitely be subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal depending on the severity of the incident. Additionally, sexual harassment is a criminal offense, so I encourage you to file a complaint at the police station of your choice.

Sexual harassment can have serious repercussions on your well-being, both mentally and physically. Although it takes courage, know this It is not necessary to exhaustively prove the acts of harassment before the labor court. As indicated in Article L. 1154-1 of the Labor Code, it is necessary to provide the beginning of the evidence (messages, emails, etc.), see the first thing to do, then it will be up to the other party to demonstrate that his actions do not constitute harassment.

If you feel overwhelmed by the situation, call an attorney or legal professional to guide you. You can also contact 3919, the emergency number for women victims of violence.

I believe you.

Stephanie.