My patron keeps making suggestive comments and sometimes stands uncomfortably close when we're alone in the room. I just changed jobs, and I don't want to look bad, but it's impossible to work like this. Do you think if I go to HR to file a complaint, I'll get into trouble?
Sweetheart, if you always cover things up like this, that person will become even bolder. You need to learn to protect yourself. Don't be afraid to go to HR; the one who will be embarrassed is them. But on the other hand, I would say to collect evidence first so they don't immediately fire you. Record audio or keep any written things safe.
It's not normal for someone to stand uncomfortably close when you're alone in the room. That's a clear violation of boundaries. As a guy, I'll say that a man who behaves this way usually continues as long as the victim stays silent. He thinks he's in a safe position because of his role as a boss. If you don't elevate this issue, it will only get worse.
Yeah, I get that what you said is a pretty serious situation, but going to HR might not be an immediate solution. Because HR usually thinks about the company's interests. If you complain about the boss, it could look like you're looking for another job. I would suggest consulting a lawyer or someone you trust first.
The harassment in employer-employee relationships is a serious legal issue. However, such matters will require concrete evidence. You need to find a witness or a compelling recording for even verbal implications. If the situation escalates to physical threats, there is also a criminal law aspect rather than just labor law. Act with this in mind.
As you said, I've started to focus a bit on gathering evidence, but I'm not sure if recording audio would be legal. For instance, today he said something like, "You look very nice, let's have coffee together." Normally, I would have stayed quiet, but this time I quickly made an excuse and left the room. It was as if he was looking at me with understanding.
This guy is really testing you, my daughter. If you take it lightly, he'll do something different every day. If she were my daughter, she would go directly to HR and tell the guy straight to his face. Write a nice email and give a detailed explanation of the situation. Then, make a solid security plan before going to HR. You also need to consider the risk of getting fired.
