Busting common misconceptions about workplace conduct in the MeToo era
#MeToo for better workplace
Here are some common misconceptions about office conduct.
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Kiss emoji- A form of harassment
“Often, we have to explain to men why it is not acceptable to send emoticons or GIFs of hugs and kisses to their female colleagues,” says Pallavi Pareek of legal advisory firm Ungender.
WhatsApp messages are also increasingly brought as evidence of sexual harassment.
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Sexual jokes apart
A New York Times survey revealed that men who admitted to telling sexual stories or jokes were about five times more likely to report engaging in other harassing behaviours, too.
If two friends are discussing a movie in the cafeteria using sexually explicit terms, someone on a nearby table could file a sexual harassment complaint because it creates “an uncomfortable, hostile work environment”.
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Asking her out- Don't ask too much
In other words, if a colleague turns down your proposal, leave them alone. And don’t take the rejection personally, says Samriti Makkar-Midha of POSH at Work.
And consent doesn’t count when there is a hierarchy between the colleagues in a relationship.
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Stop staring
Netflix has, in fact, advised employees not to stare for more than five seconds.
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The uncomfortable compliments
“Often, men say I’ve been complimenting women my whole life, why have I got a complaint now? We explain that you may have the best intent, but it left someone uncomfortable. Was this part of the job profile requirement, and is this increasing the quality of your work output? If not, it is unnecessary and avoidable.”
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Touching
(Text credit: Sonam Joshi, TNN)
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