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: My boss has an annual fishing/camping trip that has become a huge deal around our office. The problem is, he only invites the men to come. I understand why, but as one of only 4 females that work in our office, it has started to create a divide among the employees. They come back from the trip acting as if there is a “men’s club”, constantly referencing things that happened and how much fun they all had. Stories from their trip took up over 30 minutes in our last meeting and I have noticed I am being overlooked for special projects and client meetings due to the fact that I they all went on the trip together. I’m not sure how to address this appropriately. I don’t care that they go on a trip, but when it affects decisions about my job it’s no longer okay. What can I do?
ANSWER: I would like to say that this is the first time I have heard of personal relationships blurring the lines in a professional setting, but it happens quite often regardless of the field. This can be a big deal in an office and the problem is that the boss does not recognize it. If you have an HR person, I would start there. They can address the situation with your boss as a general conversation rather than just one person complaining which can help you in the long run. If there is not an HR person in the office, you and the other female employees can go to the boss together and gently let him know the impact this trip is having in the office and jobs specifically. If he still does not see it or chooses not to address it, you may have to consider another place to work.
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: My boss has an annual fishing/camping trip that has become a huge deal around our office. The problem is, he only invites the men to come. I understand why, but as one of only 4 females that work in our office, it has started to create a divide among the employees. They come back from the trip acting as if there is a “men’s club”, constantly referencing things that happened and how much fun they all had. Stories from their trip took up over 30 minutes in our last meeting and I have noticed I am being overlooked for special projects and client meetings due to the fact that I they all went on the trip together. I’m not sure how to address this appropriately. I don’t care that they go on a trip, but when it affects decisions about my job it’s no longer okay. What can I do?
ANSWER: I would like to say that this is the first time I have heard of personal relationships blurring the lines in a professional setting, but it happens quite often regardless of the field. This can be a big deal in an office and the problem is that the boss does not recognize it. If you have an HR person, I would start there. They can address the situation with your boss as a general conversation rather than just one person complaining which can help you in the long run. If there is not an HR person in the office, you and the other female employees can go to the boss together and gently let him know the impact this trip is having in the office and jobs specifically. If he still does not see it or chooses not to address it, you may have to consider another place to work.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us HERE. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.