A colleague has been constantly undermining my work, accusing me of lying, and in a way humiliating me in large meetings. I’m feeling personally offended especially when I’m being shut off during my speech or constantly told he/she doesn’t trust what I say in front of many others. This particular colleague has similar behavior to some others as well but I’m feeling frustrated and bothered. My manager told me there is nothing he/she can do about it. Can I file a workplace harassment case with HR? Is it ever helpful? Does it ever get anywhere? Would appreciate if especially Apple folks respond.
Yes. I have seen harassment complaint in this scenario, that does wonders. Trust me, file it.
The legal definition of harassment differs from place to place depending on where you are located. Why not consult with an employment lawyer in your area?
So, you have a coworker who has said they don’t trust you in meetings and has accused you of lying, and you think this is harassment 🤔 This person could be an asshole, which is not illegal or harassing, or you could have done something which lost trust with them and they’re honestly expressing their frustration. I had someone snowflake me about how I offended them after I called them out in a meeting as not giving trustworthy timelines and status updates. This was after they waited till day of delivery to declare months of additional work multiple times in a row. Guess what, butter cup, someone saying they don’t trust you after you slip is not harassment and it went nowhere with HR in my case. Don’t be a snowflake.
Firstly, you need to get some courage and speak up for yourself. Secondly, you can talk to their manager and be clear on what if your expectations. Apple’s culture is of debate and brainstorming, but it has to be civil and everyone’s opinion need to be heard , this is the core of Apple culture . If thinks don’t improve you should go to HR specifically stating that there is no inclusion. Good luck and may you get some strength and confidence.
I agree with this. OP it’s time to put up a fight. It might suck at first, but you’ll get used it it.
Parking lot after work! Be there or be square!
Yes you should definitely speak to someone in your HR department. While this colleague's behaviour may or may not qualify as harassment, it is important to bring to the company's attention such behaviour. It may lead to a positive change in that person's behaviour, which would be beneficial for not just you but also that person.
Idt it falls under harassment unless you are being targeted due to some protected status of race, gender, disability etc. but filing a complaint might trigger a dialogue, May make this issue more widespread and public and may force this person to sort these issues out. But it might cause a backlash too so it’s kinda risky from that pov imo. There must be something right this person must be doing that the manager’s hands are tied.
No manager or HR will help in this. I’m so sorry you are going through this. Be strong and just publicly humiliate him or her when they behave like this. It works!
When he interrupts you mid speech, tell him that he can have this turn once you're done. When he accuses you of lying, ask him what he's insinuating. How is he publicly humiliating you? By undermining your work? Tell him to take it offline. Remain assertive, yet calm. Don't let him bully you.
Yes exactly don’t let anyone bully you. You must know your rights. If you feel something is not right speak up, please. I may sound harsh here but that is the only way to get back at bullies. Initially it will be very very uncomfortable, you may even feel damn nervous and a lot of unpleasant feelings, also guilt if you never done this to anyone before. But with time you will get better at it. You don’t have to be like that with everyone. You just need to be strong in front of these type of people, because unfortunately that is the only way to deal with such negative people.
I have a team of 75 under me. (Not in hottopic anymore- with a tech company) I can tell you that its not harassment. It is just politics. Are you being targetted due to age, gender, race etc? If not this is not gonna go anywhere. HR wants things that they can take action legally, if not they run the risk of being sued or countersued. (Bay area)
This! ^ I’d recommend you address the behavior directly and privately.