When HR refuses to help, use Blind

I didn’t know about Blind until today, but I’m glad I do now! This is such an important resource for women. It may not be the remedy for every situation, but it provides an option for when HR proves ineffective or retaliates. A few years ago, before I was at PP, I reported an issue to the human resources dept, which was essentially one person and an intern. I was forced to work in close quarters with a guy who would not stop asking me to go out on dates with him. I was dating someone at the time, and plus, he was my direct supervisor. I was always pressured to hang out with him outside of work even though I told him no numerous times. Multiple times he offered to allow me to come in later the next day if I went out drinking with him the night before. It got to the point where it was just harassment. He’d text, I wouldn’t respond, and then he would erupt in anger because I didn’t respond. I told myself I wouldn’t report it to HR, but it became so uncomfortable and he was so persistent, that I didn’t think I had a choice. When I told the HR rep about the situation, the rep immediately doubted me and asked me if I could have misinterpreted the situation. The rep came to the conclusion that it was a misunderstanding because he’s loved by so many people and “such a nice guy.” No, he wasn’t, but he was certainly a good actor. After the second time I reported my supervisor to HR, the rep assured me he would talk to him and get to the bottom of it. Nothing happened and the harassment continued. I quit two weeks later. No one should have to go through this, but countless women (and some men, too) do every day. This is why people don’t trust HR. This is also one example why Blind is so important. It’s another option for when HR fails employees. #MeToo