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Female Bosses Can Sexually Harass Their Male Employees

19 May 2016

Arthur Young

If you're a man experiencing unwanted flirtatious attention from your female boss, you don't have to put up with it. Sadly, this problem isn't taken seriously by many people, who figure that men "like" that kind of attention. Is there anything you can do?

Lately, your female boss has given you a lot of flirtatious attention and it's making you uncomfortable. While she is an attractive person, you simply aren't interested (for your own personal reasons) and have tried to get her to stop. Unfortunately, she persists and you are starting to feel terrible.

The Problem Is Growing

One common misconception about office sexual harassment is that it is a problem only women experience. While over half of women experience sexual harassment in the workplace, a growing number of men are reporting this problem. By 2013, the reported cases of sexual harassment from women towards men had grown to about 17.6%.

Even Flirting Can Be Sexual Harassment

Flirting from your boss crosses over into sexual harassment if you don't appreciate the attention and have let them know. It can also become a serious ethical concern if they have hinted or even joked that your job depends on a positive reaction to their advances.

Do your boss' actions make you feel:

• Afraid for your physical safety?
• Concerned that your job may be at risk?
• Embarrassed or depressed?
• Worried that people in the office are talking about it?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," then your boss' attention has veered into sexual harassment. This is especially true if you've made it clear that you aren't interested or are involved with someone else and they keep persisting.

Talking About It With Them

The fact that female-to-male sexual harassment is rarely discussed may give your boss the idea that her behaviors are okay or that you enjoy the flirtation. There's a chance she might not understand how seriously her behaviors are bothering you or impacting your relationship with someone else.

So before you report her behaviors, sit down and have a serious discussion with her about it. Tell her that you are flattered by her attention, but that you simply aren't interested. You can explain that you avoid mixing "business and pleasure" or that you're involved with someone else and are happy.

At that point, you have laid out the situation to her in an honest way. If she persists in her attention, then you need to report her and call a sexual harassment attorney, such as Davis George Mook. They can help you build a case and get the justice that you deserve.

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