I have an important and an interesting case to discuss and ask for comments on:
In my office I have a person, who is a senior, but is spending most of his time flirting with one of the secretaries in the office. Every hour you can notice them having coffees and chit-chatting. Actual work meetings are additional.
They both have smart answers to justify their perpetual togetherness, like, work, common Big Boss, guidance from senior, old pals, good understanding and what not.
People, both juniors and seniors, have been watching this since many months, but cannot open their mouth, as it will be of no use, the Big Boss will not believe, it will be considered as negative talk & cribbing, etc.
It is now becoming irritating and embarrassing, the senior is ignoring his department and work, every now and then he is rushing to the floor above where the secretary sits, yet justifying “no work” by putting it on incapable people around, and politics of the organization…., which is not completely true.
Suggest how to handle such a situation, and what action can we take to correct the office environment.
From India, Delhi
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In my office I have a person, who is a senior, but is spending most of his time flirting with one of the secretaries in the office. Every hour you can notice them having coffees and chit-chatting. Actual work meetings are additional.
They both have smart answers to justify their perpetual togetherness, like, work, common Big Boss, guidance from senior, old pals, good understanding and what not.
People, both juniors and seniors, have been watching this since many months, but cannot open their mouth, as it will be of no use, the Big Boss will not believe, it will be considered as negative talk & cribbing, etc.
It is now becoming irritating and embarrassing, the senior is ignoring his department and work, every now and then he is rushing to the floor above where the secretary sits, yet justifying “no work” by putting it on incapable people around, and politics of the organization…., which is not completely true.
Suggest how to handle such a situation, and what action can we take to correct the office environment.
From India, Delhi
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try to talk to him and explain them the facts, y we r here in office. If he is good he will accept ur words r leave that guy and think as if he is a watchman for ur company.
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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In addition, Sekaran, try to get one of them transferred to another place. It will make them spare more time for work.
Also, assign them additional work. This way, they will not find time to flirt in the office.
Nitu
From India, Vadodara
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5Also, assign them additional work. This way, they will not find time to flirt in the office.
Nitu
From India, Vadodara
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Tell me what to do if I am one of those who can’t open their mouth and is reporting to the senior, who is being flirting....
From India, Delhi
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From India, Delhi
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Dear Shashank,
Subtly, you can introduce a draft of the "Policy on Workplace Romance." Get it approved by your big boss. Tell him that this is for future use and to avoid any problems. You can find articles on workplace romance on Google for reference. You can also take help from these articles.
Ok...
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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Subtly, you can introduce a draft of the "Policy on Workplace Romance." Get it approved by your big boss. Tell him that this is for future use and to avoid any problems. You can find articles on workplace romance on Google for reference. You can also take help from these articles.
Ok...
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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I completely agree with Dinesh V Divekar,
I have come across similar situation twice.
Sr. Manager was always seen flirting with a woman, everyone noticed and was quite. As Mr. Divekar rightly mentioned, the work place ethics and policies were rolled out across the company. We also had a session on Sexual harassment at work place highlighting on the obscene instances that could embarrass other people at work and what effects it can have when people feel uncomfortable and complaint. The highlights also gave insight on the probable actions resulting in....
Another situation was in my team, two of my team members were always seen together, until it became obvious I decided to speak to them personally and subtly told them that I have noticed and heard people talk abt them. As they are always seen together, it allows people to gossip, spread rumors and cook up stories. This could affect their professional and personal Image. And there will be lot of negativity spread abt them which would apparently effect their growth and performance in the company.
Also told them …even if they have any relation, what so ever could be personal and not showcase or be a topic at work place that will ruin the work place environment.
They apologized and ever since they were watchful and cautious abt their behaviors.
Another option : I suggest you to speak to them and subtly tell them as a friend you are just keeping them informed abt what people are thinking about their togetherness. Tell them to watch out as people are noticing them at work. You felt like telling them as it is becoming very obvious.
Cheers,
Gayathri
From India, Bangalore
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I have come across similar situation twice.
Sr. Manager was always seen flirting with a woman, everyone noticed and was quite. As Mr. Divekar rightly mentioned, the work place ethics and policies were rolled out across the company. We also had a session on Sexual harassment at work place highlighting on the obscene instances that could embarrass other people at work and what effects it can have when people feel uncomfortable and complaint. The highlights also gave insight on the probable actions resulting in....
Another situation was in my team, two of my team members were always seen together, until it became obvious I decided to speak to them personally and subtly told them that I have noticed and heard people talk abt them. As they are always seen together, it allows people to gossip, spread rumors and cook up stories. This could affect their professional and personal Image. And there will be lot of negativity spread abt them which would apparently effect their growth and performance in the company.
Also told them …even if they have any relation, what so ever could be personal and not showcase or be a topic at work place that will ruin the work place environment.
They apologized and ever since they were watchful and cautious abt their behaviors.
Another option : I suggest you to speak to them and subtly tell them as a friend you are just keeping them informed abt what people are thinking about their togetherness. Tell them to watch out as people are noticing them at work. You felt like telling them as it is becoming very obvious.
Cheers,
Gayathri
From India, Bangalore
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As you don't have the power to do anything officially, I think the best thing is that you should focus on your own work rather than wasting your time watching others. This is their personal matter, and it happens everywhere. If you take any action, it can affect your future.
From Pakistan, Karachi
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From Pakistan, Karachi
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Is this not an HR matter? HR is responsible for maintaining all employee relationship matters. You can send an anonymous letter to HR and see if they sort it out.
Alternatively, in my workplace, we gather everyone together in the kitchen every quarter and have our Executive Head brief everyone on key policies such as health and safety, work relationships, and other important topics. This way, there is no excuse for anyone. Following the briefing, individuals can either raise their questions publicly or submit them in a suggestion box, which are promptly addressed.
Just out of curiosity, is their relationship actually a distraction for everyone, or is it a matter of jealousy - nonetheless inappropriate professionally.
From Australia, Adelaide
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Alternatively, in my workplace, we gather everyone together in the kitchen every quarter and have our Executive Head brief everyone on key policies such as health and safety, work relationships, and other important topics. This way, there is no excuse for anyone. Following the briefing, individuals can either raise their questions publicly or submit them in a suggestion box, which are promptly addressed.
Just out of curiosity, is their relationship actually a distraction for everyone, or is it a matter of jealousy - nonetheless inappropriate professionally.
From Australia, Adelaide
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Hey man,
Let it go. Jab boss or secretary razi to kya karega HR. What max. we can do, suggest them. Get one thing clear we can't change a person. There are chances that you are considering a friendly relationship as something else. Trust me, if you object, your world will be just upside down.
Please observe and indicate your findings to your superior.
From India, Gurgaon
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Let it go. Jab boss or secretary razi to kya karega HR. What max. we can do, suggest them. Get one thing clear we can't change a person. There are chances that you are considering a friendly relationship as something else. Trust me, if you object, your world will be just upside down.
Please observe and indicate your findings to your superior.
From India, Gurgaon
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Chill out, man. On this matter, the moment as an HR professional, you become direct with anyone, he or she might feel offended. Therefore, politely discuss with his supervisor (could be the Managing Director himself in case he is very senior) and take his feedback regarding his performance and this issue in a casual tone but be firm. Maybe seniors or supervisors have no issues at all (depends on the organizational culture). These days, some companies provide open space to employees until they are productive, but as we have seen and grown up in an environment where such things have always been frowned upon.
So my suggestion is to discover your organizational culture, understand what your seniors want to promote, and act accordingly rather than pushing yourself into a corner without any valid reasons.
On a lighter note: After all, romance is in the air. 🙂
From India, Delhi
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So my suggestion is to discover your organizational culture, understand what your seniors want to promote, and act accordingly rather than pushing yourself into a corner without any valid reasons.
On a lighter note: After all, romance is in the air. 🙂
From India, Delhi
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