I Asked Him How He Is Liking the Job, He Said Racist Remarks Has Been Thrown at Him Since His First Day
I had a gentleman that I hired pop by the office, nothing major. He just needed contact information for his contract office.
I asked him how he is liking the job, turns out he wanted the contact information because he was going to leave. He is black for context. He told me that he has had racist remarks thrown at him since his first day. He told me not to say anything. What can I do to help? I’m in HR but I am the intern.
I trust my team (for the most part) but I don’t want to wreck his trust.
-Intern in Toronto, Canada
Dear Helpful Intern,
I think you should review your company's policies on harassment and speak to your supervisor about the company's approach to dealing with from an employee perspective.
I think it's a good idea to see if the employee has anything in writing about these instances or any witnesses to it. If he's gotten multiple comments, I'm sure someone else has heard them. He may be adamant about leaving and if that's the case, he should definitely go. It's not fair to keep him in a position where he doesn't feel comfortable. See if he's willing to give a statement about his experience during his exit interview, if your company offers those to employees as they leave the company.
There may not be much you can do, other than offer him directions on his next steps.
Good luck!
Nikki Davis
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NIKKI
Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life!
Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com.
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