Witnessed racism at work? The latest in a LONG line of issues...

[Rebecca980]

There is one girl at work I cannot STAND. In ten years of marketing management, I have never been so close to losing my sh*t with someone!

It is not just that we have different personalities. I have witnessed her be the rudest, most horrible person. And it seems the rest of the office are aware.

Example - a discussion about running? When a friend said she went for a run she told her “you don’t look like a typical runner...”.

She told my male colleague (who has long hair) he looked like a girl (despite him having a beard).

In fact - I took to keeping a spreadsheet. It got to 17 lines within a week - or totally inappropriate comments or behaviour.

Today, she was loudly discussing job applicants in the office (she sits behind me). Apparently the fact this girl has worked for a charity for the Islamic community has discounted her - despite her being BY FAR the most qualified candidate. She was open about this, prefixed with “I’m not being funny, but will our customers feel comfortable with her?”.

It is not the first time either. Last week I organised some customers for a photo session and I was ‘advised’ that we shouldn’t use one because she “looks very Eastern European”. WTF?!

She isn’t my manager, we are even (I actually get paid more, but I don’t think she is aware) - yet constantly talks to me like crap too.

Is it time to make a complaint? It’s a small company, so I don’t want to rock the boat. But I know many other people have been shocked and upset too....

Never worked with someone who has made my skin crawl so much.

[Lordfrontpaw]

If you go to hr you might end up having ‘marriage guidance’ sessions with her. I know someone in a similar situation and it sounded excruciating.

Can’t up just start calling her out every time?

[Rebecca980]

Yes @Lordfrontpaw - that’s another worry!!
I did have a chat with her about six months ago giving her a little warning, but it didn’t help at all.
I’ve been biting my tongue for so long, but I feel calling her out in front of everyone would be unprofessional. But I’m almost at that point now!

[Lordfrontpaw]

There are ways and ways. Just ask ‘how?’ ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Why is that?’ and follow up the questions - she should soon get the message.

[madnessitellyou]

I would complain. She’s being racist. Don’t worry about rocking the boat; you are absolutely right to challenge her appalling behaviour.

[Campurp]

Challenge her outright and draw attention to her nasty ways in front of everyone. If she doesn’t get embarrassed and stop, then make a complaint.

[KatherineJaneway]

I'd make a complaint. I don't agree about trying to call her out directly, she clearly sees nothing wrong with her thoughts. She is likely surrounded by people who think the way she does so trying to flag it will not suddenly make her question her behaviour.