Redditor Isolated By Coworkers After Reporting Boss To HR For Sexual Harassment

HR did nothing and now everyone in the office is staying away from OP.

Senad

• Published in Interesting
• October 3, 2023

In the age of heightened awareness around workplace harassment and the #MeToo movement, many individuals grapple with the decision to report instances that make them uncomfortable. This particular Reddit tale delves into the aftermath of reporting perceived sexual harassment, revealing a web of consequences and regret.

OP's journey begins with a career transition from teaching to an office-based role. Teaching had become a source of immense stress, with long hours and the weight of shaping young minds taking a toll on OP's well-being.

The prospect of a desk job, where work could be left behind at the end of the day, was a welcome change.

However, the transition was not entirely smooth. OP's new bosses were curious about their decision to switch careers and frequently inquired about their motives.

While OP appreciated the concern, one individual, in particular, seemed overly inquisitive and delved into personal matters. OP, a self-professed people pleaser, tried to maintain a friendly disposition.

The situation escalated when this colleague sought a connection on Instagram, a move that felt invasive considering previous comments about OP's appearance. It was this uneasy combination of personal questions and attempts to establish a connection outside of work that led OP to believe they were facing harassment.

Faced with these unsettling circumstances, OP decided to report the issue to Human Resources (HR). This decision was fueled by a belief that it was the right course of action to combat workplace harassment. Sadly, this turned out to be the catalyst for a series of unintended consequences.

The response from the corporate HR department was far from what OP had expected. They soon realized that larger corporations often prioritize protecting their public image over addressing harassment concerns.

Following the report, OP experienced a sudden shift in their work environment. Colleagues, even those who were once friendly, started distancing themselves. Managers ceased communication, and an undeniable sense of isolation settled in.

In seeking support and understanding, OP confided in their girlfriend about the situation. Surprisingly, they were met with skepticism about the #MeToo movement and were advised to tolerate uncomfortable situations as long as physical boundaries weren't crossed.

OP recently started working an office job after being a teacher

OP's new bossed were surprised about her decision and they kept asking questions

One of the bossed delved deeper, even asking OP personal questions

The whole situation felt weird for OP so she decided to report him to HR

After reporting her boss, OP is now avoided by everyone in the office

OP saw the boss talking to HR and she realized that he was good friends with them

OP's girlfriend told her that she overreacted

A lot of questions left to be answered

A strong claim

Not a creeper... yet

OP's story unravels a complex moral dilemma. They were initially motivated by a sense of justice and the desire to protect their well-being. However, they find themselves isolated and facing potential career repercussions.

OP's experience highlights the distinction between dealing with sexism and harassment in the traditional sense versus navigating the murky waters of workplace politics.

OP's story sheds light on the complexities of workplace dynamics, leaving readers to ponder where the line between taking a stand and self-preservation should be drawn.

Senad