For sexual harassment to occur, the offended party can be harassed merely by overhearing 2 other people discuss what a 4th person did to a 5th. And the 4th and 5th people be the harassers.
This is common sexual harassment policy, and if she found the concept of a "dongle" offensive for ANY REASON, then she must be accommodated, as part of the policy.
Doesn't this kind of policy erode communication within an organisation? How can you expect to develop friendships or improve social cohesion within working groups if people are worried than private conversations can be construed as sexual harassment for being overheard?
I mean if you're sitting for lunch outside the office talking to a friend and someone walks past at the wrong time and catches a snippet of conversation then what?
Howabout if you're having a private conversation on a work phone and unbeknownst to you someone had picked up another recieved and accidently overheard your conversation?
If you have no expectation of privacy at work how will the social dynamic function?
or new staff means less experience with the company's product/process, longer ramp up time. By the time it takes to become experienced, they now have become old staff, and must now leave as they find the company's policy sucks. Enter new staff - cycle repeats again, and no innovation or change happens in the company because peopel constantly turn over.
So if I find your use of the word "common" offensive for ANY REASON, I must be accommodated also? What if I am offended by all your words? Do you see where this leads?
Pertaining to the forking comments, I was once in Adria's shoes. While riding the school bus in high school some younger kids kept yelling a stupid phrase and then would burst out with laughter. "Fire in the hole!" I got tired of it so I pulled a passive aggressive move a just blew up at them. I had misinterpreted it to be something sexual and so I assumed they were laughing at something they also didn't understand. I yelled at them and then asked them if they knew what they were talking about... Long story short. I got in trouble for sexual harassment. I felt awful for my behavior and apologized to the kids after I realized I acted improperly too.
In response to the dongle comments. Referring to parts you don't have would be much worse as then you are/can only judge others. Referring to a part you have can be judging yourself, but not always. Regardless, "private conversations" in public spaces where it is reasonable to believe others can hear are not protected private conversations and anything discussed should take into consideration what/how others might hear them. If they were in the hallway between sessions talking and Adria was just walking by it would be slightly different. If they were in a room by themselves... thats a private conversation. However, they were sitting in a room with others sitting nearby that could hear them. Regardless of what they were saying they were being disrespectful by distracting other attendees.
My point? 1) Be careful not to be the one incorrectly applying sexual context to overheard words or conversations. 2) be cognizant of your surroundings and aware of how your conversation could be perceived in public settings. 3) be respectful.
15 comments
[ 3.6 ms ] story [ 47.9 ms ] threadThis is common sexual harassment policy, and if she found the concept of a "dongle" offensive for ANY REASON, then she must be accommodated, as part of the policy.
I mean if you're sitting for lunch outside the office talking to a friend and someone walks past at the wrong time and catches a snippet of conversation then what?
Howabout if you're having a private conversation on a work phone and unbeknownst to you someone had picked up another recieved and accidently overheard your conversation?
If you have no expectation of privacy at work how will the social dynamic function?
The shareholders see no value in it.
In response to the dongle comments. Referring to parts you don't have would be much worse as then you are/can only judge others. Referring to a part you have can be judging yourself, but not always. Regardless, "private conversations" in public spaces where it is reasonable to believe others can hear are not protected private conversations and anything discussed should take into consideration what/how others might hear them. If they were in the hallway between sessions talking and Adria was just walking by it would be slightly different. If they were in a room by themselves... thats a private conversation. However, they were sitting in a room with others sitting nearby that could hear them. Regardless of what they were saying they were being disrespectful by distracting other attendees.
My point? 1) Be careful not to be the one incorrectly applying sexual context to overheard words or conversations. 2) be cognizant of your surroundings and aware of how your conversation could be perceived in public settings. 3) be respectful.