The HR Report
I took a deep breath and walked to HR the next morning, printout of Becca’s video in hand. Janet, our HR director who’d been with the company even longer than me, welcomed me with her usual warm smile. ‘What can I do for you today, Cathy?
‘
I explained the situation as calmly as I could, showing her the video and the cruel comments. ‘I’m not trying to make waves,’ I assured her, ‘but this feels inappropriate and, honestly, hurtful.
‘ Janet nodded sympathetically, her reading glasses perched on the end of her nose as she reviewed the evidence.
‘I completely understand your concerns,’ she said, patting my hand. ‘We take workplace respect very seriously. I’ll look into this right away.
‘ She made some notes in her leather-bound planner—Janet was old-school like me—and promised to follow up soon. I left her office feeling lighter, relieved that professionals would handle this situation.
For the next week, I threw myself back into work, staying late to clear that backlog and even helping Mr. Daniels prepare for the quarterly review.
I was certain the management position was within reach, especially now that I’d demonstrated both work ethic and the ability to handle difficult situations maturely. Then, exactly one week later, Janet’s assistant called to schedule a meeting.
I assumed it would be about Becca’s video and the disciplinary action they’d decided on. I even prepared a little speech about forgiveness and moving forward as a team.
I straightened my blouse, touched up my lipstick, and headed to HR with a hopeful heart. If only I’d known what was waiting for me behind that door.