The emergence of cell phones and text messaging has significantly changed how people interact with one another. Unfortunately, the causal nature of text messages occasionally leads to people making inappropriate comments to their work colleagues or employees.
Consequently, you may be tempted to ask, “Is it appropriate if a male coworker texts me every day?” Yes, it is appropriate, especially if such messages are work-related.
But hold on, does that imply that receiving daily texts from a male coworker is acceptable? Of course not. However, on the flip side, receiving daily texts from a male coworker could seem strange and unpleasant. Sometimes, it is so because you don’t have a good work relationship.
In this article, I will briefly discuss some regulations governing work harassment and the precautions employees can take if they get harassing texts.
Is It Prohibited For A Male Coworker To Text You After Work Hours?
It is not prohibited by the law for a male coworker to text you after hours. In case you were wondering. However, if texting turns into harassment, it can be against the law.
Outside of the workplace, texting can lead to sexual harassment. This means that texting has crossed the line and is now prohibited if you receive texts that include indecent messages, unwelcome sexual advances, or other inappropriate interactions.
Such messages qualify as a reason to complain to your employer officially. To do so, you must demonstrate that a coworker harassed you sexually and sent you unwanted, improper texts.
Suppose a male coworker texting you daily makes you feel very uncomfortable. In that case, you should tell him to stop messaging immediately and, if possible, block him from messaging you in the future.
If your work routine or project assignment requires that you communicate with that person, you should let your superior or supervisor know about the unpleasant situation.
Unwanted forms of communication or interaction via texting can have a negative psychological and emotional impact on you. This is because it will foster a hostile or standoffish working atmosphere.
Where such harassment is permitted to continue, this could result in decreased performance, missing duty, and possibly your decision to quit the job. To halt the behavior and guarantee that you are fairly treated, you have privileges and options at your disposal, which you can exercise.
Do Daily Texts Qualify as Harassment?
Although “harassment” is defined differently under state and federal law, all forms of harassment center on persistent and offensive behavior.
If unwanted, creepy texts are constantly sent to your phone, even before work, during breaks, and at odd hours on the weekends, or probably for a whole week, it’s safe to say that your coworker’s inappropriate behavior corresponds to the definition of harassment
However, the messages in question must be offensive for them to be considered harassment. According to the definition of offensive from the viewpoint of a reasonable person, the majority of individuals in the same circumstance would find the content of the messages objectionable.
What Kind of Texts from a Male Coworker Are Considered to Be Inappropriate?
One of the most prevalent types of inappropriate text messages is intimidation through text, which can take many different forms, including;
- Crude jokes
- Requests for explicit sexual photographs
- Demands for sexual acts in exchange for promotion
- Embarrassing flirting
- Messages that pose a severe threat to life
Please be aware that you are under no obligation to put up with offensive texts sent to you by a coworker if you have received them. When a coworker sends you an inappropriate text message, you should report it immediately to your Human Resources department.
The human resources department will also expect to look into it. If you decide to pursue an employment law action against your firm, they may be liable for compensation if they fail to address the infringing coworker.
No one deserves to receive offensive or disturbing text messages in the workplace. You must take protective measures as soon as you discover that a coworker has sent you offensive content.
How to Tell a Coworker to Stop Texting You
If a coworker is texting you in a way that makes you uncomfortable or is distracting during work hours, here’s how you can address the situation:
1. Choose the right setting
Opt for a private setting, either in person or through a private message, to discuss the matter. Avoid addressing it in a group setting to maintain professionalism and privacy.
2. Be direct and clear
Clearly communicate your message. Avoid being vague or leaving room for misinterpretation. For example, you might say, “I need to talk to you about something important regarding our communication.”
3. Express appreciation
Begin the conversation by expressing appreciation for your coworker and acknowledging any positive aspects of your relationship. This helps set a positive tone for the conversation.
4. Use “I” statements
Frame your message using “I” statements to express your feelings and needs without making the coworker feel attacked. For instance, say, “I’ve noticed an increase in text messages during work hours, and it’s been a bit distracting for me.”
5. Set clear boundaries
Clearly state your boundaries. You can say, “I’d like to keep our communication focused on work-related matters during work hours. If there’s something urgent, let’s discuss it during work hours, or if it can wait, we can address it the next business day.”
6. Offer an alternative
If applicable, suggest an alternative communication channel for work-related matters, such as using email or a messaging platform designated for professional conversations.
7. Be firm but polite
While being direct, maintain a polite and professional tone. Firmly communicate your request without being confrontational. For example, “I hope you understand, and I appreciate your cooperation in keeping our communication work-focused.”
8. End positively
End the conversation on a positive note. Reiterate your appreciation for their understanding and cooperation. This helps ensure the conversation concludes amicably.
For example
“Hi , I wanted to talk to you about our communication. I appreciate our positive working relationship, and I’ve noticed an increase in text messages during and after work hours. It’s been a bit distracting for me, and I’d like to keep our communication focused on work-related matters during work hours.
If there’s something urgent, we can discuss it during work hours, or if it can wait, we can address it the next business day. I hope you understand, and I appreciate your cooperation. Thank you.”
Tailor the example based on your specific situation and the nature of your relationship with the coworker. If the behavior persists or escalates, consider discussing the matter with your supervisor or HR department for additional support.
How Do I Respond If a Male Coworker Sends Me an Offensive Text?
The following are decisive steps you should take if you continuously receive a disturbing or unwanted text from a male employee.
1. Save all unwanted direct message
Ensure you save all unwanted text messages the accused person sends. This is important because of your chance of succeeding in your employment law action for workplace harassment against a coworker, with the proof you have to back up your assertions and demonstrate what took place.
2. Make a screenshot of any offensive photos emailed to your mobile device or computer
Dates and times are preserved, which is significant. A reliable timeline might be helpful when the investigating panel or committee is taking a witness’ deposition or cross-examining them.
3. Inform HR of the situation
You must notify your superior of the problem, provided your workplace has an HR department. This is so because the organization is informed about the issue and looks into it.
Before reporting a case of harassment, ensure you adhere strictly to all the steps stated in the employee handbook.
Conclusion
Not all examples of harassment include physical contact; they might also involve obscenity in text messages. It also involves implying excessive messaging that is upsetting.
Being the recipient of unsolicited text messages may be quite frustrating, particularly if the sender of the creepy message is a male coworker you have no relationship ties.
When your work and professional reputation are at stake, acting responsibly is critical, especially if the unwelcome texts get more serious and cross the line into harassment.
