Sexist Supervisor?

[Spirit]

Hi

My supervisor at work makes sexist remarks everyday. He's in his mid-40s and makes often degrading remarks on women in general. Nothing is directed at me, but it still really bothers me when he talks about women as mindless objects. It makes me sooooo uncomfortable, I'm sick of sitting there letting him say all that rubbish.

How do I tell him that all the things he is saying are wrong and, well, hateful? I don't want to lose my job. I get the feeling that if I brought it up, he'd take it as I was just doing it because "that's what all birds are like". Just like if I'm in a bad mood, it's assumed it's my time of the month (which is downright rude to mention don't you think?!), because obviously "birds" only get annoyed because of menstruation.

I don't know what to do!

[Alyssa]

Wow, that's awful. I think you should find out your company's policy on harassment and take it from there. If they have an open-door policy, that means you can talk to anyone in the company about any concerns you have. If that's the case, go to the person above him and tell them about your issues. There should also be a section about how they deal with harassment and how you'll be safe in your job for complaints. Know your rights in the company and they'll have to take you seriously. If possible, collect hard evidence (emails, voice mails, notes, etc) and try to remember as much detail about what he does as you can, because you have to make sure they know that you're not making it up.

[boodleswithtonic]

He sounds like a walking HR issue to me. Definitely know your company's policies, and follow the reporting chain. Keep track of the incidents, like Alyssa said, emails, voice mails, texts, his random asshole commentary, note everything. They are incidents, and you are completely within normal parameters to be upset over his bullshit. It effects your work environment, and therefore your company, they should care. I hope you'll let us know how it goes. I'm rooting for you!

[Dana]

What they said. Also, strength in numbers is huge, so if you can get a few of your co-workers to file a complaint with you, that will have some more clout. Also, write down specific instances if you can, including the date and time. I did for one manager I had, I ended up quitting but I found out later because of the little notebook I handed in, he was reprimanded and things got better for the others.

[triplash]

^ thats really good to hear!