Feeling Unsafe at Work: How Can My Friend Handle Late Shifts and Harassment?

Dear Friends,

My friend is working in a leading Marathi media house's print wing as a sub-editor. Her new editor shifted her to the main desk, which is male-dominated. Now she works until 11 pm. The company doesn't provide any security or even a drop facility for her. She knows she is being harassed by her boss but can't do anything as she fears losing her job. Can anyone provide guidance?

Thank you.

How to use the available manpower optimally or judiciously is the responsibility of the functional head, and that is what he has done. Therefore, it need not be construed as "harassment" as such. By making these kinds of interpretations, we could be jumping the gun. Providing transport facilities to women employees is the job of the HR Manager. Therefore, tell your friend to submit a formal application to the HR Manager of her organization. If the HR Manager refuses to do so or expresses his helplessness, then we can discuss how to handle the situation later.

Caveat

A person working as a journalist is supposed to write for oneself in public forums and not through friends. She could have made her post anonymous.

Note for HR Professionals

When a woman employee is made to work until 11 PM, why was the HR Manager not proactive in thinking about her safety and security? The fact that a woman employee's friend approached the HR Forum seeking advice speaks volumes. The issue becomes more prominent when this lapse in HR happens in the "leading Marathi media house's print wing." HR jargon like employee engagement is not just for discussion in seminars or writing blogs on it but for implementing in practices.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar