Not sure how to handle this, need some advice

I work at a large retail store that employs about 400 to 500 people. The area I work in is set apart from most of the rest of the store, so I don't really interact with most of the other employees very often, however once every two weeks I cash out my card to get my pay and I have to deal with this guy. I don't know his name, but he has always given me the creeps, so when I am forced to deal with him, I flash my wedding ring, and work into the conversation how awesome my husband is. In fact I know he has seen me with my husband in the store on many occasions. Well, last week when I went to get my pay, there were two people cashing out the cards, and I went to the woman who was working there, I have known her for at least 6 years and she is really cool. Creepy dude starts going on about how pretty I look today, and how if they had a beauty contest at our store I would win hands down. He kept talking and it just made me really uncomfortable. He sent me a request on facebook later that day which I denied. (my facebook page has my husband's name on it), and then a few days later he sat by me in the break room. I got up and walked away, threw away part of my lunch just to escape (at least it is good for my diet though lol) Then the other day I was eating my lunch, with my nose buried in a book and I look up to see him sitting across the room just staring at me! I want to get this guy to go away, I am starting to get the feeling that he is not right in the head, and the way he was looking at me frigtened me. I have been ignoring him forever, trying to escape him forever, but it seems like the more I run away the more determined he gets. I don't really want to go to management and get him in trouble, I just want him to leave me the hell alone. I need some good advice!

Talk to your supervisor. If he or she won't do anything, go to HR. If they still don't rectify the situation, then you have an EO (Equal Opportunity) complaint because his actions are in violation of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. (I'm a business major and just took a class on all of this... LOL). Here are the proper steps to follow to make sure this gets handled effectively:

Say “No” Clearly

Tell the person that his/her behavior offends you. Firmly refuse all invitations.If the harassment doesn’t end promptly, write a letter asking the harasser to stop and keep a copy.

Write Down What Happened

As soon as you experience the sexual harassment, start writing it down.Write down dates, places, times, and possible witnesses to what happened.If possible, ask your co-workers to write down what they saw or heard, especially if the same thing is happening to them.Remember that others may (and probably will) read this written record at some point. It is a good idea to keep the record at home or in some other safe place.Do not keep the record at work.

Report the Harassment

Tell your supervisor, your human resources department or some other department or person within your organization who has the power to stop the harassment. If possible, tell them in writing. Keep a copy of any written complaint you make to your employer.It is very important that you report the harassment because your employer must know or have reason to know about the harassment in order to be legally responsible for a co-worker, client or customer’s actions. Even if your harasser was your supervisor, you may need to show that you reported the harassment to your employer or give a good reason why you didn’t.

Start a Paper Trail

When you report the sexual harassment to your employer, do it in writing.Describe the problem and how you want it fixed.This creates a written record of when you complained and what happened in response to it. Keep copies of everything you send and receive from your employer.

Review your Personnel File

It is your right to see your personnel file.If you work for a private employer, in certain states including California, you have the right to request and receive copies of everything in your file that you have signed.

Use the Grievance Procedure at Work

Many employers and schools have policies for dealing with sexual harassment complaints. You may be able to resolve the problem through this process.To find out your employer’s policies, look in your employee manual/personnel policies and/or speak to a human resources officer. It is important to follow your employer’s procedures.

Go to management PERIOD! You can NOT take chances PERIOD! So what if he gets in trouble, he should! Stand up for yourself!
Peace! :flowerforyou:

restraining order? mace?

I work at a large retail store that employs about 400 to 500 people. The area I work in is set apart from most of the rest of the store, so I don't really interact with most of the other employees very often, however once every two weeks I cash out my card to get my pay and I have to deal with this guy. I don't know his name, but he has always given me the creeps, so when I am forced to deal with him, I flash my wedding ring, and work into the conversation how awesome my husband is. In fact I know he has seen me with my husband in the store on many occasions. Well, last week when I went to get my pay, there were two people cashing out the cards, and I went to the woman who was working there, I have known her for at least 6 years and she is really cool. Creepy dude starts going on about how pretty I look today, and how if they had a beauty contest at our store I would win hands down. He kept talking and it just made me really uncomfortable. He sent me a request on facebook later that day which I denied. (my facebook page has my husband's name on it), and then a few days later he sat by me in the break room. I got up and walked away, threw away part of my lunch just to escape (at least it is good for my diet though lol) Then the other day I was eating my lunch, with my nose buried in a book and I look up to see him sitting across the room just staring at me! I want to get this guy to go away, I am starting to get the feeling that he is not right in the head, and the way he was looking at me frigtened me. I have been ignoring him forever, trying to escape him forever, but it seems like the more I run away the more determined he gets. I don't really want to go to management and get him in trouble, I just want him to leave me the hell alone. I need some good advice!

Talk to your supervisor. If he or she won't do anything, go to HR. If they still don't rectify the situation, then you have an EO (Equal Opportunity) complaint because his actions are in violation of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. (I'm a business major and just took a class on all of this... LOL). Here are the proper steps to follow to make sure this gets handled effectively:

Say “No” Clearly

Tell the person that his/her behavior offends you. Firmly refuse all invitations.If the harassment doesn’t end promptly, write a letter asking the harasser to stop and keep a copy.

Write Down What Happened

As soon as you experience the sexual harassment, start writing it down.Write down dates, places, times, and possible witnesses to what happened.If possible, ask your co-workers to write down what they saw or heard, especially if the same thing is happening to them.Remember that others may (and probably will) read this written record at some point. It is a good idea to keep the record at home or in some other safe place.Do not keep the record at work.

Report the Harassment

Tell your supervisor, your human resources department or some other department or person within your organization who has the power to stop the harassment. If possible, tell them in writing. Keep a copy of any written complaint you make to your employer.It is very important that you report the harassment because your employer must know or have reason to know about the harassment in order to be legally responsible for a co-worker, client or customer’s actions. Even if your harasser was your supervisor, you may need to show that you reported the harassment to your employer or give a good reason why you didn’t.

Start a Paper Trail

When you report the sexual harassment to your employer, do it in writing.Describe the problem and how you want it fixed.This creates a written record of when you complained and what happened in response to it. Keep copies of everything you send and receive from your employer.

Review your Personnel File

It is your right to see your personnel file.If you work for a private employer, in certain states including California, you have the right to request and receive copies of everything in your file that you have signed.

Use the Grievance Procedure at Work

Many employers and schools have policies for dealing with sexual harassment complaints. You may be able to resolve the problem through this process.To find out your employer’s policies, look in your employee manual/personnel policies and/or speak to a human resources officer. It is important to follow your employer’s procedures.

I think this is the best advice. However, I would add to it, because it sounds like you might be a little worried about your safety, DO NOT be alone or let this person think you might be alone. There is something to following your gut, and these things can turn ugly very quickly. Pepper spray does work, as do lighters, keys, pencils, pens etc.

Your description of the escalating events makes it seem like this guy is doing this on purpose to intimidate you. Don't let him.

I would suggest, looking him in the eye and politely, but firmly, telling him that you do not appreciate his attention and ask him to stop. He may just be socially inept and doesn't know the discomfort he is causing you.

If that doesn't work, go to HR.

I agree with this. Some people just try too hard. While you feel that you have rejected him in many ways, you've never just told him to stop and some people are truly that slow on the uptake. This way, if you still have to go to HR, you can state that you said NO in no uncertain terms, and in a manner that is both adult and professional. Lot easier to defend in court if it ever got that far.

By the way, if / when you do tell him, I would write down date/time/location, and any possible witnesses to doing so. And if you can arrange for a witness, do so.

You could confront him about it OR you could chat to him and act really disgusting/annoying. Purposely make him despise you - I know it sounds like I'm joking but I hate confrontation, and did exactly this to a couple of male colleagues. They both hate me now and leave me to do my work in peace.

I would suggest, looking him in the eye and politely, but firmly, telling him that you do not appreciate his attention and ask him to stop. He may just be socially inept and doesn't know the discomfort he is causing you.

If that doesn't work, go to HR.


DO THIS FIRST

This guy has seen me with my husband on many occasions, so he knows I am married. The creepy guy is married too! Maybe I will send his wife a message on facebook! Lol

Haha, okay, everyone is telling what TO do here. I'm going to give my 2 cents on what NOT to do. See above!

As uncomfortable as you are, taking it to Facebook is NOT a good idea, even with a private message. The guy could genuinely think that he is causing no harm. Talking to his wife about it could cause tons and tons of unecessary harm and drama! It is better to talk to him directly or go to HR. As a previous poster stated, it is all about perception!

I'm thinking you were probably kidding about doing that anyway, but just in case, my 2 cents.

HUMAN RESOURCES This is their job, not yours.

And you need to report it to a manager ASAP.

Remember it is your word against his. He could think you are flirting with him. Don't confront him directly he may take it as a dare or even more of a challenge. He's total Stalker Material and with the internet making it so easy you need to handle it professionally.

Does your husband know about this? If your husband ISN'T the type to get all silverback gorilla possessive and escalate the situation and make it worse, it might be a good idea to tell him what's going on and ask him to make a show of picking you up at work - come in and get you, put his arm around you, etc, so the creepy guy actually sees with his own eyes that you ARE taken. Of course, if your husband is the type that would get jealous and confront him, then that's not a good idea.

Maybe even as part of the show, introduce your husband to him the next time he comes to pick you up. I agree with everyone ( although I don't think he is just looking for a friend) and if you feel uncomfortable you sure aren't doing yourself a favor by keeping silent about it. I really agree with last comment by ckmama; it is HR's job... best of luck with this...