Former Employer Wants to Investigate Harassment

Question

I worked for a large cellular company as an outside corporate salesperson. I was only on the job for one month and I was sexually harassed by one of my co-workers. When I went to my manager and told him about what had happened, he then started treating me badly and not showing support to me regarding my job.

I recently quit because of the way I was treated. I have been in contact with the EEOC about filing a complaint, but it won't be taking a statement from me for several weeks.

My ex-employer is now calling me and telling me they want to get a statement from me in person so they can investigate this further and that they would really like me to come back because I was "such a great salesperson."

A while back, I mailed an eight page letter of resignation that has all of the information on why I left and letters to my manager that I sent him trying to get him to see that he wasn't supporting me like a manager should.

So should I meet with them and give more statements? I don't want to go back to a hostile situation working for this company, but on the other hand, I really worked hard while I was there and I need the money. I feel like I have been dealt a bad hand and I don't know how to play it out.

Answer 1

If you don't go to the table, you can't even get in the game. It may not feel that way now, but given all that has gone on, you are in the best position imaginable.

First of all, the company has asked you to come in for an interview. This is at least some indication that they are taking your complaint seriously and eager to look into it. It may be your best opportunity to set the record straight and explain your side of the story--things that are usually done more effectively in person than in writing.

You should also know that the EEOC is not likely to look kindly on your refusal to deal with what appears to be the company's reasonable efforts to investigate your claim. As difficult as it may be, talking with your former employer may be the best thing you can do.

Finally, Oh Lucky One, It sounds as if they are nearly begging to have you come back--a rarity in today's job market, in which workers come and go easily. If you agree to go back in for a talk, you may be better able to assess whether it would be a comfortable place for you to return to work. Otherwise, wouldn't you always wonder?

So, rehearse first. You might want to review the basics elements of sexual harassment, as discussed in Nolo's Sexual Harassment on the Job--and summarized in the encyclopedia in the Employment category of the website.

Take a deep breath. Walk into that room prepared and ready to answer all questions completely and honestly. It's your chance. You go, girl.