How Can I Stop Male Employees from Misusing the Female Washroom at Work?

Hello Members,

I am working with an IT/ITES/KPO Company as a Senior HR Executive. It's not as big as a company, but we have a staff of around 70-80 people.

We also have our Medical Transcription Unit under the same roof.

The problem is that some employees working in our organization are not well-educated, and some pretend not to be to cause mischief in the office.

My main concern right now is that there are two washrooms in our office: one for males and the other for females, as indicated on the respective restroom doors. However, the issue is that male employees are intentionally using the females' washroom to create a nuisance in the workplace.

I have tried to catch a few of them doing this and have even attempted to make them realize that this is the girls' washroom and they are not supposed to use it, but all in vain.

As a female in a senior position, I cannot directly confront them.

Please suggest what I can do to prevent this, as it is unsafe from a health perspective.

Looking forward to your kind suggestions.

Regards,

Komal

Hi Komal,

You are having a very weird kind of problem in your company. The main reason behind the same is the uneducated or less educated class of employees. But I guess this is a simple rule. Even a totally illiterate person knows that the toilet is always separate for males and females, as there is a pictogram on it.

As you have mentioned that you have caught many of them using the ladies' toilet but in vain, I suggest taking a harsh step now. This is one part of sexual harassment in the organization.

Find out one person from your employees who can make others understand the sensitivity of such issues. Otherwise, as a final step, deduct a particular amount from their salary if they commit this kind of act.

We have to set an example to make others realize their mistakes. Take strict action the moment you see someone doing this kind of act. They might abuse you, as you are saying that they are uneducated. Then, it's tit for tat. You can't use abusive language, but you can reply in a professional manner with firm gestures and body language.

Regards,

Chaitali

Hi Komal,

a) Please read Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
b) The Workplace Harassment Prevention (WRAP) program highlights precisely the same circumstances and makes sexual harassment training mandatory for every new employee, especially outsourced staff such as security and housekeeping personnel. Utilize vernacular language to ensure clear understanding among all individuals.

Regards,
Surya Vrat