In the good old days, when men ruled the office environment, no one had to couch their comments in political correctness, or worry that something said or did would result in administrative actions. I’m not saying that’s wrong or right; I’m just sayin’.
But now, in many companies, there are just as many female employees as there are male, and we all have to watch what we say and do.
So, imagine Career-mom’s surprise when her boss came into her office the other day and said she needed to speak with her in her office, only to find out that she had been reported to HR.
The Backstory: Career-mom (my wife) had to attend a meeting out of town last week. Her manager (also a woman) was in attendance along with one or two male employees whom Career-mom is friends with. They met with several female Account Managers about something that probably wouldn’t interest anyone here.
Well, apparently during this meeting, as the air conditioning whirred away cooling off the room, Career-mom and her manager started…um…nipping and this also apparently offended one of the female account managers in the room.
Yes, let me succinctly capture this for you: Another woman got offended over two women’s clothed nipples.
Career-mom and her manager’s initial reaction was one of hysterical laughter, followed closely by, “How would you even phrase that complaint to HR?”
Guys, take heart. Apparently flagrant overreaction in the workplace is not limited to male-female situations.
My suggestion to Career-mom was a counter-complaint about having her breasts ogled and how it creates a hostile work environment.
Hey, two can play at this ridiculous game!
Postulates & Pastimes 