1/8Boundaries women must set in a workplace
Boundaries women must set in a workplace

Billy Graham, an American evangelist who is also counted as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century, was known for many things. In the evangelical circles, he is also known for the ‘Billy Graham Rule’ according to which, he refused to meet, dine or travel with a woman alone! Many believed that the chief reason behind this absurd rule was that Graham wanted to stay away from conditions that might lead to any extramarital liaisons. Now, given the reactions the #MeToo movement is getting, there was a rising fear that it may affect the employment of women but thankfully, many spoke against it claiming it to be an irrational fear. But this brings us to an important question, should women employees set some non-negotiable boundaries at the workplace so that the chances of misunderstandings or harassments are reduced? Let’s look at a few such conditions:

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2/8No sexist or vulgar jokes
No sexist or vulgar jokes

It is quite common among male colleagues to crack sexist or vulgar jokes. But women are not very comfortable around such silly humour. Every office should ensure that no such jokes are allowed, which might make a female colleague uncomfortable. In fact, it is also the responsibility of the women at the workplace to put their feet down and object in clear words that no such jokes should be entertained in their presence.

3/8No touching inappropriately
No touching inappropriately

When we work in the same office, it’s quite common to shake hands or hug someone as a gesture of appreciation. However, not everyone is comfortable being touched—be it a hug or a pat on the back. If a woman makes it clear that she doesn’t like being touched, everyone should take this as a non-negotiable boundary. Respect her and respect her space.

4/8Ensuring the workplace has Internal Complaints Committee
Ensuring the workplace has Internal Complaints Committee

According to the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, every workplace should have an Internal Complaints Committee. Any woman facing sexual harassment at the workplace can approach this committee with their grievance. A woman colleague should ensure that her workplace has an Internal Complaints Committee.

5/8​Not to stay back late in the office alone
​Not to stay back late in the office alone

Given the kind of workload we have in office, it’s not unusual for people to stay back late to meet a nearly-impossible deadline. When there is work, one has to do it no matter at what hours. There should be no gender discrimination when it comes to work distribution and even female employees would agree to this. However, when a woman has to stay back late she should ensure that there are other colleagues around as well.