Harassing Bully

[avaocps]

I've got this guy at work who is toubting his candidate for office every time he walks by my desk. He also shakes my chair and chants his candidate's name. He's got banners hanging in his cube too! He's very distracting, annoying and otherwise awful. Since we have an open floor plan in our office, what am I to do? Doesn't this consititute a hostile workplace? What should I do with him? Should I tell him to stop or buzz off or what?

[ozbound]

I would definitely tell him that his actions are bothering me and to please stop, and if he doesn't, take it up with HR. Displaying a banner in his cube is one thing, but harrassing a coworker is inappropriate for the work place, and obviously disruptive.

[msmarieh]

I would talk to him about it first, before escalating it to HR. I would catch him quietly and privately and say, look, John. I really like you and I enjoy working with you. I know you are very passionate about your politics, but I have to tell you, some of your actions are crossing the line to really bothering me. I'm asking you to stop: ____ whatever you specifically want him to stop doing. I'd really appreciate it if you would respect my wishes on this matter.

If that conversation is not successful, then I would raise it to the boss, the co-worker's boss or HR.

Marie

[Katie G]

Wow.  I have to say I just can't even imagine bringing one's personal politics into the workplace to that extent.  I know some workplaces can be more politically charged than others.  In fact, my own workplace has a tendency to be "politically tied" to the local goings on, but the most it manifests itself is in a bumper sticker or button on the inside of a cubicle partition.  Actions like what you are describing would be cause for a serious reprimand.  

Actually, someone grabbing and shaking my chair for ANY reason would be cause for some stern words......

[peaches2160]

Sounds like he is just passionate about his politics or trying to get your attention.  If it bothers you that much, speak to him politely and tell him to please not shake your chair.  Keep it light.  I would not escalate it to management unless he refuses to cease.

[raindance]

Talk to him and complain to your manager.  National politics and the candidate for whom one votes have no place in the office - unless it is a campaign office, of course.

Some people have a weak grasp of the place of politics in national and personal life.  Most of us who post here in DD are fortunate enough to live in countries where freedom of speech and freedom of conscience are more or less guaranteed.  Who one votes for is a matter of personal choice based on informed (I hope) conscience.  Therefore, anyone who brings political campaigns into the workplace is trespassing on people's freedom of conscience. And, what's more, is clearly not doing his job.