A co-worker has badgered me for almost 3 years. She does not want me to progress in the department and is critical of my work. Any success I have is resented by her. She is has been blocking me from information and using tactics to thwart my career. She is insulting and rude to me. I have asked for help from management. Because of her ethicity and value to the department they are reluctant to address the issue. Yesterday, she actually told me she was a better employee and she did not know why management delegated tasks to me. Where do I go from here??

Unfortunately, harassment is not illegal unless it occurs as a result of illegal discrimination as a result of a person's gender, race, religion, disability, national origin, age, pregnancy, veteran status, and (in a few locations only) sexual orientation.

If this person is treating you unfairly for other reasons, such as a personality conflict, your only remedy is to go up the "chain-of-command", such as to your manager's manager, etc., or to the Human Resources Department, if one exists.

As an alternative, you can try to talk with her. I would ask her to lunch. Talk with her that you are concerned about the relationship between the two of you. Make sure that you don't accuse her of anything (that will only cause her to be defensive and will not resolve the matter). Let her know that, although you two don't have to be friends, you would like to build a good working relationship. Ask her for assistance in repairing the relationship. (It's hard to turn a person who making amends and asking for help away.)

I find it is always helpful to try to fix the situation yourself first, rather than complaining to management or to other coworkers. Doing otherwise can look childish and give the impression that one is not in control.

Let me know how it turns out. Good luck.

A co-worker has badgered me for almost 3 years. She does not want me to progress in the department and is critical of my work. Any success I have is resented by her. She is has been blocking me from information and using tactics to thwart my career. She is insulting and rude to me. I have asked for help from management. Because of her ethicity and value to the department they are reluctant to address the issue. Yesterday, she actually told me she was a better employee and she did not know why management delegated tasks to me. Where do I go from here??

If you are saying that this employee is given different treatment due to their ethnicity, then I would advise you to document everything and make a written complaint to be put in your employee file.

Somewhere down the line, she may make a complaint and draw you in due to the conflict between the two of you.

Keep records, document the results and make sure you put in writing the actual harrassment you are receiving. Emplolyees may bicker amonst each other, but harrssment is something management should address, and not ignore based on ethnicity.

Let me know if you have further questions.
sue

Thank you for your reply. I have actively tried over several months to the problem solving techniques you have suggested. I'm afraid it is a no-win situation. I will not give-up. Thank you.







Unfortunately, harassment is not illegal unless it occurs as a result of illegal discrimination as a result of a person's gender, race, religion, disability, national origin, age, pregnancy, veteran status, and (in a few locations only) sexual orientation.

If this person is treating you unfairly for other reasons, such as a personality conflict, your only remedy is to go up the "chain-of-command", such as to your manager's manager, etc., or to the Human Resources Department, if one exists.

As an alternative, you can try to talk with her. I would ask her to lunch. Talk with her that you are concerned about the relationship between the two of you. Make sure that you don't accuse her of anything (that will only cause her to be defensive and will not resolve the matter). Let her know that, although you two don't have to be friends, you would like to build a good working relationship. Ask her for assistance in repairing the relationship. (It's hard to turn a person who making amends and asking for help away.)

I find it is always helpful to try to fix the situation yourself first, rather than complaining to management or to other coworkers. Doing otherwise can look childish and give the impression that one is not in control.

Let me know how it turns out. Good luck.

Thank you for your reply. I will still try to do what I best for our department regardless of my personal treatment. I did report the behavior to HR and it is being reviewed. I regret that I did not document anything until now. I will make a written complaint. Thank you.


If you are saying that this employee is given different treatment due to their ethnicity, then I would advise you to document everything and make a written complaint to be put in your employee file.

Somewhere down the line, she may make a complaint and draw you in due to the conflict between the two of you.

Keep records, document the results and make sure you put in writing the actual harrassment you are receiving. Emplolyees may bicker amonst each other, but harrssment is something management should address, and not ignore based on ethnicity.

Let me know if you have further questions.
sue