Inappropriate Messages

[Guest]

Hi All,

I am currently going through hell at work and wondered if I could get an informal opinion.

In August time of last year, two members of staff joined the business. They were overly flirty but it was friendly and playful and nothing more. Fast forward a few months and I heard how they was speaking about myself and other members of staff who have flirted with them. I also heard how they was messaging and sharing opinion of a colleagues relative for which they found the image on a social media platform.

In October/November time I had an informal conversation with one of them stating that they made feel uncomfortable due to gossiping about co workers and that I particularity didn't like them for that. I didnt want anything further to do with them unless purely work related. In October my boss pulled me aside and confirmed that during work drinks, someone in HR had reported to him that a small group (including said person) had discussed that I was flirty and tried it on with all people and to stay away.

Unfortunately Karma came around just recently when one of them now has to report directly to myself, including the team. Unfortunately I have now been suspended so that they can fully investigate the claims that this person has made after being told I am due to line manage said person. The suspension letter states that it is due to misconduct of inappropriate Skype messages to female colleagues.

Where do I stand in all of this?

[ostell]

Will they be able to prove it?

[ULA]

It seems that the person who is now being required to report to you has made an allegation about inappropriate messages you have sent by Skype. As a result the company feels that the appropriate action to take is to investigation the allegations and whilst they are doing this have suspended you - this is not an unusual course of action for a company to take. As part of the investigation you may be required to meet with the person who is conducting the investigation.


The outcome of their investigation may be that the allegations are unfounded and you will be able to return back to work, alternatively they may decide that some form of disciplinary action may be appropriate and you will be asked to attend a disciplinary meeting and part of this should be the provision to you of any documentary evidence they will rely in in reaching their decision which I presume would include the Skype messages.

At the moment there is little you can do until you know whether the company will be proceeding with further action. However I suggest that you think about any skype messages that you have exchanged with the individual and whether any of them may be considered inappropriate. Also if you can recall any of the "flirty" instances you said took place when they joined and who initiated them - the two members of staff or you - again it may be an idea to note these down.

I hope that you are not left too long waiting the outcome of the investigation.