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Strange interaction at work and no one else sees the issue?

234 replies

Teachnomore · 08/09/2025 21:48

This happened today and I need to share. I manage a team of 12 and don’t work Friday’s. I came in today to an email from my senior/deputy about something which happened between two colleagues on Friday - without getting into details, there was an argument in front of the team and it was unprofessional.

I booked time in with each individual separately today to discuss what happened.

When I walked into the meeting room with one of the colleagues (male), he rushed up to the table, pretended to bend over and said let’s get this over with. Then stopped, pretended to take his belt off and laughed hysterically. I just told him to sit down and he said he thought what he suggested would be a quicker punishment, again laughing.

Now, am I being a bit of a killjoy here or is that really inappropriate? I told my manager what happened, who basically shrugged his shoulders and said that is just what that colleague is like. My DP found it hilarious when I told him and thinks I’ve had a sense of humour failure..

I just found it awkward and a bit rude given the circumstances.

OP posts:
DaisyChain505 · 08/09/2025 22:15

That warrants a Complaint all the way.

Brenda34 · 08/09/2025 22:15

Refer it on th HR. Completely unacceptable behaviour.

LlamaNoDrama · 08/09/2025 22:13

Was his argument with the colleague because he's always an idiot?!

thinkfast · 08/09/2025 22:13

I’d be asking HR to deal with this as unwanted sexual conduct OP. It’s totally unacceptable.

Sundaymorningcalla · 08/09/2025 21:58

I can't understand why as the Manager or this individual you didn't call out their inappropriate behaviour there and then? Or are you their Supervisor and not Manager?

FionnulaTheCooler · 08/09/2025 21:57

He sounds like an arsehole who is skating on very thin ice with regards to keeping his job. That kind of behaviour warrants at least a formal warning, right?

Meem321 · 08/09/2025 21:53

Would be have behaved in the same way had his manager been male?

No.

Inappropriate.
Unprofessional.
Misogynistic.

I would be contacting HR to discuss and I wouldn't let it go.

DoodleLug · 08/09/2025 21:53

This would warrant a complaint about inappropriate behaviour.

I think I'd have overlooked a quick initial reference as a nervous reaction but even that is deeply unprofessional. He's minimising whatever happened and suggesting you don't really have authority.

Very weird.

Megifer · 08/09/2025 21:52

Really inappropriate. I'd have paused the meeting and told him id rearrange for when hes ready for a serious discussion.

Not funny at all.

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