Should a male ever be alone with a female subordinate at work?

[OtterMan68]

Let's say he has to give a performance review or talk to her about her work or just do an update about how she feels about her position in the company.

Should the meeting take place behind closed doors, should their be a female HR rep involved, should it be in an open area, etc.

In this day and age, can you ever be too safe?

No, a male in a position of authority should never be a lone with a female subordinate

Yes, it's OK. It's an imporant part of mentorship to have these interactions.

[Anonymous]

Forget being male, when I was in charge, I had three steadfast rules: never date an employee, never meet alone with an employee in/outside of work, and have a paper trail as long as possible about everything I did on the job. The day I got fired over "inappropriate behavior" would have been a cold day in hell the way I backed myself and made sure NOTHING could be interpreted as anything other than it was.

I had open door meetings, I always asked if the employees wanted someone else with us--as well as I insisted, I have someone else, usually another manager available in the room, everything was signed and confirmed on paper and witnessed. My dad, who was a professor at the time, was the same exact way. He was like, never for a second believe any employee won't try to screw you over with allegations in this day and age. One of his students tried to trap him once and that was all it took for him to never ever meet any of them outside of very public spaces. He was so friggin' lucky that she was caught on camera. You just really have to protect yourself.

[Decoded93]

I agree with this, safety for everyone is important

[SueShe]

In today's society, such a constellation should never happen. For the sake of the woman, there should always be at least a 3rd. person in the same room and that 3rd. person should be another female, simply for safety and precaution.

If the situation does not allow for a 3rd. party to be present, there should be visible cameras placed in such a way that they cover all possible dead corners and angles as well as microphones that are able to capture every word spoken by both parties involved.

A copy of the tape and the audio recording should automatically be given to both parties present in order to avoid future conflicts.

That is the only way to guarantee the safety of the woman in such a situation.

[Kingofkings1992]

If anything at all, it could potentially be bad for the man. Tons of women love to make false accusations, and they are almost always taken by their word. Men aren’t predators just because we exist

[Keyboardkat]

A judge I once worked for used to say, "It's not enough that something be right. It must also LOOK right!" A male should never be alone with a female subordinate in an office with the door closed! If it is necessary to have a closed-door meeting, such as in a performance review, then there should also be a female supervisor in the room as well. This is also for the protection of the man, because if she ever accuses him of something, if it's just he-said/she-said, we hear, "Always believe the woman." There ARE unscrupulous women out there who will see an opportunity for money, and will have no compunction about publicly completely destroying an innocent man's life and career. This is why a male doctor who must give a physical exam to a female patient today will always have another female staff member present, either another doctor, nurse, PA or nurse-practitioner. It only makes sense.

[Anonymous]

99.9% It is okay though it should be done in a public office where there are people coming to and fro so he wouldn’t take advantage / if he were to do so it would be seen & heard by at least one other person outside of the exchange. I believe that any higher up has the capabilities of taking advantage of a lower level employee whether sex, money, etc. and maybe should never be in a closed area ever again. I don't know, just my opinion though something does need to change to ensure transparency, good behavior, and protection of employees just wanting to do their job. It is about the.1% and should be taken seriously since it is a possibility to be considered since it is disgusting.

[imtiaz45]

Whether a male should ever be alone with a female subordinate at work depends on the context, workplace culture, and policies. In professional settings, interactions between colleagues of any gender should be based on mutual respect and professionalism. Avoiding being alone with a subordinate solely based on gender can undermine trust and equality. However, maintaining transparency, such as meeting in open or public spaces and documenting interactions, can help foster a professional environment. Ensuring clear communication and setting boundaries ensures that all employees feel comfortable and valued, regardless of gender, while maintaining professionalism and accountability.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/2GxlPIYHZxo

[Rosexøxø]

“In this day and age, can you ever be too safe?”

- No, honestly. That’s why when it came to basic work/job browsing, I took a very long time in considering companies. While manufacturing types of jobs were enticing, I usually stayed away just cause of the risk and reality of high testosterone on the premises and not knowing the morals of those in those jobs. No reserved lady wants to be the only one amidst a bunch of men in a job where they can get testy and all.

I think your question title should be the guideline. The thing that is avoided. And I agree that yes, an HR lady shouldn’t be present or something of that nature.

[Rosexøxø]

I actually really do appreciate this question. Very considerable. I only see good intentions in this matter.

[Rosexøxø]

Voted A

[bolverk]

Once I would have give a performance review or talk to a female employee one on one and not given it a second thought. But not today, in the current climate I would no longer do this, I would have another person in the room most likely from HR or record the performance review or talk on video from more than one point of view. I'm glad that I'm no longer in a supervisory role.

[privateperson]

I have been alone with many male colleagues and bosses without issue. I never even assumed there would be a problem. Why assume male colleagues are innately predators? Only if that individual gave me a reason to not want to be alone with them, would it be a problem.

[hahahmm]

No, because guys can get convicted of crimes or lose their jobs just based on an accusation without any real evidence. It's not worth the risks. Of course women who need men to give them promotions/mentorship will have a very different opinion.

[Zack-Bann]

Most jobs are hard enough without having to assume every male is a perv and every female will scream r*pe if the door is closed.


Office harassment does happen but it’s definitely a minuscule number of cases compared to how many meetings take place per day in an office building

[matchrestore]

I work one on one with subordinates occasionally, but not in my office- usually out in the warehouse doing prep work for an event, and there are security cameras all over the warehouse, including a few with microphones.

[GOLDFISH_smile]

Should anyone at work ever be alone with any subordinate?

Not for more than a moment if behind closed doors. Never behind locked doors. Wherever there's cameras or open space then that's okay I think, just be aware of ur surroundings.

[Bricealan]

If two adults can't conduct themselves in a mature, civil manner without the need for some other ADULT SUPERVISION, then we don't have two adults. There is something wrong with that picture, if that is the case

[jazzy34]

At my job, there’s always a witness in the room. So, no. Not wise.

[_piotr]

No. If they are alone a female may make false sex/rape accusations. Better to not be alone with woman.

[Levin]

That depends how unhinged the people you are working with, are.

Definitely have to be careful with clients. There's lots of fucking nutters out there (I speak from experience).

[NathanDavis]

only someone with bad intentions would ever be concerned about this...

also those with a whole lot of grudge... lol

[LiamJHayden]

Only if his office is glass walled and in view of everyone else.

[DrPepper12]

In the workplace It's acceptable, necessary and almost all of the time professional. Theyre all big boys and girls and they I know the fire from the ice...

[Phoenix98]

No to risky it's not worth giving them an opportunity to destroy your life and career. And can be applied to both men and women here.

[DexWest]

All it takes is one accusation and you can kiss your job, life, and even freedom goodbye

[Anonymous]

Only if she gives you vibes that she would take advantage of the situation. I've only worked with one woman like that thank goodness.

I agree you can never be too safe. Buy you can't live your life scared either.

[FunkyMonkee]

Sure, why not?
You mean, in this day & age, can you ever be too paranoid?

[DextroShade]

Too much risk thanks to the stupid and insane #metoo movement. Women should be in the kitchen instead of the workplace anyway.

[Unit1]

I was. No big deal. Must be because I'm a female soul in a man's body.

[Ladsin2]

Said A. It's likely not a wise decision to make. Too many potential problems from any direction I look at it from.

[Vegasrunner]

Not a good idea, women can make something up and there's not much you can do

[beefcakebradybatson]

Not behind closed doors (and preferably with another person in the room) in this #metoo era.

[MrFrenchFry]

no definitely not. me too and trump showed every male that we can't do that.

[Kayleigh2005]

Hell, no I don't trust must girls I know

[grega239]

No. Why risk any false accusations

[CVNT5]

CUZ WE GON SMASH 😜👉👌💢💦💕

[Kingofkings1992]

Who gives a shit