[dduntley]

Help is needed. I witnessed one Senior VP verbally threatening a subordinate. I was frightened to the point that I was concerned for that persons safety. I was shaking so much I couldn't continue my work. It was late that night, still at work working on a project, and I don't think he thought anyone else was there.

I brought it to the HR Department and the President of the companies attention. The President basically said all the right things, but his facial expressions and his demeanor said the exact opposite. He also starting antagonize me. Suggesting that the Sr. VP would never resort to violence and that I am just an over reactive female. I have worked for this company for 9 years, have seen and heard of lot of inappropriate things, but this one has really got me upset.

Am I crazy, or is this not something that anyone should be exposed to at the office? Is there any action I should or can take?

[Patricia]

What about the subordinate who was threatened? Did you speak to this person? Are they complaining?

It is hard for you to make a case if the person who was threatened is not complaining.

[Ladybugg]

One can feel 'harrassed' at any time, even if it involves being a by-stander in a situation, such as yours. If you are uncomfortable in any way about this situation, then YOU are the one being harrassed. Please follow-up and inform HR, again, that this situation caused you great distress and that you fear for the safety of others, as well as yourself. Check your personnel policy on what it states on bullying or harrassment of any kind and quote some of this policy when voicing your concern. Better yet, type your concerns out; this way it can't be misinterpreted and come back at you with a 'he said/she said' bias.

[dduntley]

I appreciate your comments. I work for a company that has no HR department, just a person who hired me. We have no employee manual or policies in print anywhere. I have been there 9 years. I am currently looking for another job. The atmosphere and the company are moving in directions that do not meet with the standards of integrity I hold for myself.

[LisaOlsen]

I think you are smart to consider other options for employment. If the company has no policies in place, the chance that your harassment case would be heard appropriately is slim, even with the laws in place regarding harassment.

Your last statement says it all, "the company is moving in directions that do not meeti with the standards of integrity I hold for myself." You should be commended for standing by your values and recognizing this situation as serious.

If it happened once, it most likely will happen again unless it is addressed, and it sounds like the HR "dept" is feeling a little uncomfortable even talking about it. The fact that you were told you are an overreacting female got my antenna up! Take good care and keep your eyes and ears open for another position. With 9 years of experience you have a great start.

In the meantime, conduct yourself professionally, do your job well, and maintain your integrity at all costs. Good luck.

[Jodith]

You can also report cases of harassment to the Equal Opportunity Commission. I always recommend people take it to their employer first, but you've already done that. They've had the opportunity to appropriately address the issue and haven't done so.

Even if you are looking to leave the company, filing a complaint may be of benefit to those who are still working at the company.

[robert@worldlingo.com]

Keep a private record of these events. If they get out of hand or continue see a labor lawyer.

[kimberjs]

Yes, this matter should be exposed. Congratulations on having the courage to stand up and expose bullying in your work place. Check out your organization's policies on harassment and follow the prescribed procedures. Going straight to the President may not have been the correct procedure to follow and that could have added to his irritation.

Re-framing the issue might help you receive a better response. Let HR know you are seeking a safe, civil and respectful work environment and the behavior you witnessed made you feel threatened, fearful and unsafe. Put it in writing! Submit a memo to HR reiterating your concerns, explaining what you witnessed and documenting your previous discussion with HR. Craft the memo carefully.

Create a private file at home to document EVERYTHING! Keep a private journal that records your experiences at work. That way if there is a failure of the company to respond or you experience retaliation, you have a paper trail. Sadly, by speaking up, you may have made yourself a target.