We have started a segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: I just started a new job a few months ago and love it. My nickname is Annie and I always have gone by that, but recently one of the people in my department found out my full name (Anushka) and has been calling me by this instead. It drives me crazy! I hate that name and it’s confusing to my other co-workers, as most of them don’t know that’s my real name. I have asked him to stop and even spoken to my manager about it. My manager said we are acting childish and should work it out among ourselves. The more I ask him to stop, the more he persists. What else can I do? I don’t want to quit my job over something so petty, but it really bothers me and he’s clearly doing it on purpose just to get under my skin.
ANSWER: First of all, you have a right to be upset and a right to take action. Your co-worker may think it’s funny, but constantly antagonizing you can be considered a form of harassment and/or creating a hostile work environment. Your best course of action is to follow the chain of command. Discuss the issues with your manager again. Tell them that you have tried to work it out but your co-worker has continued in his behavior. If your manager still refuses to take action, then your next step is to go the manager above them.
I know it can be uncomfortable going over your managers head, but if it truly is affecting your job then something needs to be done. You have the right to be called your desired name. If your co-workers behavior is causing issues within your workplace, then it needs to be addressed. Good luck!
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.
We have started a segment allowing potential candidates to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: I just started a new job a few months ago and love it. My nickname is Annie and I always have gone by that, but recently one of the people in my department found out my full name (Anushka) and has been calling me by this instead. It drives me crazy! I hate that name and it’s confusing to my other co-workers, as most of them don’t know that’s my real name. I have asked him to stop and even spoken to my manager about it. My manager said we are acting childish and should work it out among ourselves. The more I ask him to stop, the more he persists. What else can I do? I don’t want to quit my job over something so petty, but it really bothers me and he’s clearly doing it on purpose just to get under my skin.
ANSWER: First of all, you have a right to be upset and a right to take action. Your co-worker may think it’s funny, but constantly antagonizing you can be considered a form of harassment and/or creating a hostile work environment. Your best course of action is to follow the chain of command. Discuss the issues with your manager again. Tell them that you have tried to work it out but your co-worker has continued in his behavior. If your manager still refuses to take action, then your next step is to go the manager above them.
I know it can be uncomfortable going over your managers head, but if it truly is affecting your job then something needs to be done. You have the right to be called your desired name. If your co-workers behavior is causing issues within your workplace, then it needs to be addressed. Good luck!
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.