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How to Handle Unwanted Advances in the Workplace
The uncomfortable feelings that arise make it difficult to work. This blog post sheds light on dealing with unwanted attention in the workplace and provides helpful strategies for maintaining professionalism and establishing personal boundaries.
Identify Unwanted Advances
Experiencing a manager's provocative stares and unnecessary interactions negatively impacts an individual's well-being making it hard for them to focus on work, and trust others, and may cause personal issues away from work too! The victim may become easily irritated, impatient, paranoid, or angry because of what is occurring at work. Oftentimes leaders and workers will not say anything about what they have experienced or witnessed, because they feel they need the job, don’t want to bring more attention to themselves, and worry about retaliation for reporting or being judged later.
Coping Strategies
Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing and communicating clear boundaries is important when dealing with unwanted attention. Take the time to learn effective ways to assertively communicate your limits without jeopardizing your professional standing. There are many resources online to explore.
Maintain Professionalism
In situations where compliments and unwarranted attention arise, it's crucial to navigate with professionalism. Stay in control and calm. Be assertive making it clear that you do not welcome or accept the behavior. Remind the person of how one is to behave in a work environment. Although this seems obvious and they should know better, you must explain so that if you should have to escalate the issue, you can confidently say that you did not ever agree to the conduct or welcome it.
Seek Support
Unwanted advances make you feel isolated, but seeking support is key. Confide in trustworthy colleagues, friends, or human resources to create a network of allies during challenging times.
Document Incidents
Keeping a record of incidents including day, time, comments, behaviors, and other details is essential in addressing the issue. There are various record keepers such as calendars, notebooks, and planners online and offline that make it easy to keep track.
Report to Superiors
If uncomfortable situations should continue, it may become necessary to escalate your concerns. Check out the company’s handbook or other resources on the process of reporting to higher-ups and ways to seek a resolution.
Self-Care
Keep your mental health in check. Seek out a mental health counselor or therapy if you feel your traditional ways of handling stress are no longer helping. A professional can help navigate your situation and provide various strategies to help you stay strong through this difficult time.
Unwanted compliments, advances, and other unacceptable behaviors at work can be energy-draining, but by implementing the strategies mentioned, you can regain control over your professional life. Remember, you should never have to endure harassment in the workplace. You are brave for taking steps to address the issue. By doing this, your efforts are encouraging a respectful and inclusive work environment.
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