Dear all,

One of my freinds informed me about this interesting incidence in one of the software company.

The HR Head of this company directed the female receptionist to have an interaction with the software engineers during the Lunch time and play a host. As per HR head this is required to help the engineers overcome the stress. This has put the receptionist in
a very embarassing position and is seriously thinking of leaving the job. In my opinion this amounts to Sexual Harassment. I would like to know your opinion regarding this.

pOOrnima

The case indeed is very interesting. In my opinion the direction of the HR Head DOES NOT constitute any sexual harassment as per the definition of Supreme Court viz.

"Unwelcome sexually determined behaviour directly or by implication such as:

(a) physical contact and advances;

(b) a demand or request for sexual favours;

(c) sexually coloured remarks;

(d) showing pornography;

(e) any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non verbal conduct of sexual nature" as already pointed out by one of the gurus.

Scientific studies have proved that when men and women work together in the organisational environment, there is less stress experienced than in unisexual environment. If playing host to one's own employees during lunch time is sexual harassment, then even talking to a visitor is sexual harassement. So could be the case of garlanding or handing over a bouquet to a VIP on the dais.

Tomorrow our receptionist will be PA to Manager and later on Executive Scretary to MD. Social skills would indeed help her in her career!