Case, Part 1: Marigold
Provoker: Brian, the Customer
Brian has been a customer at Marigold, a gourmet food store, for two years. He comes in about once a week, enjoys joking with the employees, and usually engages in sexual innuendo and playful touching. He might, for example, pick up a salami and say, “Oh, that looks like a good meal” or he might caress a male employee’s shoulder.
Employees have responded favorably—they seem to enjoy the attention and so does Brian. It’s part of the reason he shops at Marigold.
But there’s a new employee, Nathan, who doesn’t seem to appreciate Brian’s sense of humor. When Brian first introduced himself and said, in a friendly, but admittedly flirtatious way, “I look forward to getting to know you better,” Nathan didn’t respond. Since then, Brian tries to engage Nathan, but Nathan avoids him or takes a step back when he’s nearby.
Brian is annoyed at Nathan’s lack of interaction. Customer service is part of the job, isn’t it?
Questions for Discussion:
From Brian’s perspective, is this an example of sexual harassment? Why or why not?
What’s your view of Brian’s behavior? What are the potential negative consequences?
What, if anything, should Brian do differently?
Part 2: You’ll also be asked what you might do in a difficult situation, which may inspire you to take action when faced with a similar interaction at work.
Choose the case that interests you—or read all four. Selecting a case will open a new window. Keep both windows open, so you can return here to complete and submit the form.
Case 1: Gourmet Deli, Customer
Case 2: Presbyterian Church, Parishioner
Case 3: Zoom Meeting, Sales Associate
Case 4: Gourmet Deli, New Supervisor (from 2018 Training)