I had just picked up my coffee at the office this morning and was heading back to my desk when my boss called me over. It started like a serious work conversation, but just as I was about to leave, he touched my shoulder and said, ‘I want to work with you more.’ Now, I’m not sure if I’m overthinking the meaning of that sentence or his gesture. What do you think I should do?
7 Answers
7I experienced the same thing, that shoulder touch is literally like a turning point. First, it’s a friendly contact like this, then they slowly start to push the boundaries. I’d say definitely try to understand their true intentions.
Did the boss already have such behaviors, or is this completely new? Is it something that has happened once, then?
@caybardakta this isn’t actually the first time. Last month, after a meeting, he had also put his hand on my shoulder; it felt weird then too, but I didn’t dwell on it 
@uykuarasi, you don’t have to speak so definitively. Maybe the guy is genuinely satisfied with his job; labeling every theme as an intention is, I think, wrong.
Physical contact in the workplace is generally perceived as crossing professional boundaries. In such cases, it would be prudent to report the situation to HR and leave a record for any potential issues you may face in the future. If the current behavior continues, you may want to request written feedback.
How did you feel rather than the incident? If you were uncomfortable, please express it directly; if you can’t say it face to face, kindly set a boundary via email. Just in case.
We always see headlines like this, but what I don’t understand is, why don’t you say something in that moment? If a guy reaches out, just say ‘I was uncomfortable’ and that’s it.