How Should You Handle Workplace Harassment When HR Doesn't Take Action?

Hi, I was working in an MNC where one guy was too nice on the floor but personally harassing a lot on WhatsApp. I have given him three chances to not do such stuff as he was married and has a family. I never wanted him to be terminated, but after the third time, I complained to higher authority, and they didn't take any action. He was an experienced person. Eventually, I had to quit the job as it was difficult to work under such an atmosphere.

You could have or should have approached this forum before, not after, your resignation. Junior members seek advice when they face some problems. What is the logic of approaching this forum after the resignation?

From your post, it appears that you were soft on a person who harassed you. There was no need to show empathy or sympathy to those who harass. When he started harassing you, you gave him three chances. Despite your warnings, when he was not amenable, you approached senior authorities. How did you approach them? Did you submit a formal written application to HR and obtain a signature on the duplicate copy?

If the senior authorities turned a cold shoulder, you could have written a letter to the MD. Why did you not do that? If the harasser sent you messages on WhatsApp, then this evidence was sufficient to lodge a police complaint. Why did you not do that? At least you could have approached the local body of the National Council for Women (NCW). They would have lent a helping hand to you. Not taking any action on the receipt of a formal complaint from a woman employee itself is a prosecutable offense.

Your resignation is nothing but a sign of withdrawal, and it could embolden the harasser. The Government of India has made adequate legal provisions by passing laws. Instead of taking advantage of those provisions, you have resigned. For a woman who has the mentality of the 18th century, nothing can be said further!

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Hi Avani, why did you just come out like that? By doing so, you gave that person the confidence to do the same to other girls. At least after you decided to quit, you should bring this issue to light so that others will come to know about him.

Dear Avani,

We understand what you went through. But now, what are you expecting from us? Do you want us to help you frame the reasons you would state during your next interview? Or would you like us to share some suggestions on what to do in such situations?

As a solution-oriented forum, we aim to find what you are looking for and provide the assistance you need.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Hi all,

Thank you for your replies. I have spoken with the HR person. The situation was such that after making complaints, as a senior, he was abusing his power. He was in quality, so you can imagine how bad it might have been. It's not about strength or outdated practices; it's about damaging my career and wasting time over there. Thank you, Toshi. Yes, please guide us.

It appears that you have perceived that senior person as a dreadful ogre. There was no need to do so. If he sent you offensive messages, then all that was required was to approach the Labour Office in your area and explain your problem to the Labour Officer (LO). The Labour Department takes complaints of this kind very seriously. Possibly the Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC) or Deputy Labour Commissioner (DLC) would have sent a letter to your MD. Upon receipt of the letter, your MD would have come running around. Some QC Manager is small fry for them.

Bangalore has a large number of MNCs. These big shots developed cold feet when the labour department sent them notices. None of the MNCs, Indian or otherwise, has dared to ignore a notice from the labour department.

Even now, you can approach the Labour Office. Make sure that the complaint is genuine and you have sufficient material evidence. However, your resignation has weakened your case at least partially, if not fully. The other option is to approach the NCW.

Thanks,

Regards, Dinesh Divekar