Question

Holly has been working at a large construction company for three years. Although an intern, Holly has earned the respect of her peers. Her supervisor (and project manager), along with her coworkers, constantly support her by teaching her new materials and encouraging her to tackle new tasks. For one specific project, her supervisor chose her to visit the jobsite for the construction of flood retaining walls. Holly is familiar with the protocol required by her company, and her boss trusts her to always wear protective equipment every time she goes into the field. However, when she went to the job site for this project, she heard someone yell, "Be careful not to break a nail!" while she was walking down a particularly steep mud slope. She dismissed the comment at first, but throughout the remainder of the project, different construction workers would make condescending remarks and gestures at her. They would call her ‘Princess’ or hold out their arms as though expecting her to fall, slip, or hurt herself. Holly feels she is being treated disrespectfully because of her gender, but never brings it up to her supervisor as the workers were subcontracted from various companies by the General Contractor. Holly doesn’t feel right getting other people in trouble for such little comments, and is worried long term about how her success might be affected if she makes a complaint. Should Holly say something?

Answer 1

Holly should address the disrespectful treatment she is experiencing in her workplace.

Step-by-step explanation:

Holly should address the disrespectful treatment she is experiencing. It is important for Holly to feel safe and respected in her workplace. By tolerating this behavior, it not only affects her well-being but also sets a precedent for future treatment of other employees. She can start by having an open and honest conversation with her supervisor, expressing her concerns and providing specific examples of the disrespectful behavior she has encountered. If her supervisor does not take appropriate action, she can escalate the issue to the HR department or higher management. It is crucial for Holly to advocate for herself and create a healthy work environment for everyone.

Answer 2

Holly should address the disrespect she is experiencing and speak up about the condescending remarks made by the construction workers. By expressing her concerns to her supervisor, she can work towards creating a more respectful and supportive work environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Holly should speak up and address the disrespect she is experiencing. It is important for her to communicate with her supervisor about the condescending remarks and gestures made by the construction workers. By expressing her concerns, Holly can ensure that her workplace remains respectful and supportive for herself and other employees.

If Holly does not address the issue, it may continue to affect her well-being and hinder her ability to succeed in the long term. It is crucial for workplaces to establish a culture of respect and equality, and by bringing attention to these disrespectful behaviors, Holly can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.

While Holly may be concerned about the potential consequences of making a complaint and getting others in trouble, it is important to remember that her well-being and professional growth are worth advocating for. By addressing the issue, Holly can work towards fostering a more positive and inclusive work environment for everyone involved.