Your boss is above you on the food chain, so she should know how to behave, right? Not always. No matter what your boss' social or economic status, some people are just not going to realize when they're violating social customs -- or worse -- breaking laws regarding discrimination or harassment. If you have a boss who's continually acting badly, don't wait to deal with the problem.
Step 1
Read your employee handbook or employment contract to find out whether there is a process in place to file grievances or make complaints. If so, follow the steps outlined by your employer.
Step 2
Ask the boss for a private meeting and let her know that her inappropriate behavior is unwelcome. In legal cases of discrimination or harassment, this typically has to be the first step. If the person is not aware that she's doing wrong, it's hard to hold her accountable. In a respectful, calm, professional manner, let the boss know clearly that you don't want her to repeat the behavior. Following the talk, document what was said and keep it among your personal files on your home computer.
Step 3
Document all instances of inappropriate behavior, both before and after the talk. If your boss is the highest-up on the ladder at your workplace, you may not have anyone else to whom you can report the problem -- thus the only recourse may be to file a harassment or discrimination claim. Start planning for the worst now by writing down the date, time and details of each incident. Also, keep any e-mails or other written correspondence from the boss that documents her bad behavior. Then, keep those in that same personal file on your home computer.
Step 4
Go to the highest authority you can in the workplace if the behavior continues following your talk. If the boss has a boss in the company, great -- talk to her about the problem. Another option is talking with a human resources officer, as they're often trained to deal with these issues. Be professional, don't get emotional, and state the facts of the problem. Bring along a copy of the documentation you have been keeping about the boss' behavior. If your boss is the highest-up in the company, talk to a lawyer about the problem. She may advise getting further documentation or gathering witnesses to support you as you file a harassment or discrimination claim.
