"I worked with a guy I'll call Gerry. Gerry was 5'2" in heeled cowboy boots, balding, had a pot belly, and made about $40K before taxes. He was also apt to make homophobic, racist, and anti-immigrant jokes.

Gerry's wife would pop in unexpectedly every single day to make sure that none of the female employees were making the moves on Gerry. He never could have invited female coworkers along to even a mixed gender outing."

This is the funnies thing I've read in awhile

Worry over accusations of harassment is overwrought in this situation. However, others will talk in the office, especially women who were not invited to the luncheon.

No one needs this crap at work.

My last two bosses never socialized with staff and it was awesome!

Having a clear pattern of Not inviting the women is just as risky legally. More so really unless he's afraid he will actually harass someone or has a history of that.

Lunch is socializing as are "outings", at least in some cases. I prefer to socialize with men because I don't need to be concerned that a smutty joke or story will be viewed as sexual harassment or a hostile environment.

There is no requirement that a boss needs to socialize with women if he decides he does not want to do so. Stop finding things to complain about and blaming your gender for why you don't get ahead.

It has been like that at my office for 16 years with 5 different managers. Has never affected my career.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He is terrified that he will be accused of sexual harassment.

Absolutely the reason and I don't blame any male boss for being wary of this possibility. A complaint of sexual harassment may not go any place without some basis but it would involve weeks of investigation and questions being asked to ascertain the facts.

It would be a complaint of hostile work environment, not sexual harassment.

Or he has an insanely jealous wife.

I worked with a guy I'll call Gerry. Gerry was 5'2" in heeled cowboy boots, balding, had a pot belly, and made about $40K before taxes. He was also apt to make homophobic, racist, and anti-immigrant jokes.

Gerry's wife would pop in unexpectedly every single day to make sure that none of the female employees were making the moves on Gerry. He never could have invited female coworkers along to even a mixed gender outing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He is terrified that he will be accused of sexual harassment.

+1

Over lunch? Ridiculous. Even if so, then invite out a small group. Two women or two women and another man, etc.

My last job, the chief of staff was like this. It was a huge problem and had a very negative impact on my career and the career of the other women. The guys he was friends with got promotions, raises, etc. the women had trouble even getting in office appt with the guy. And he was in his early thirties, not so e old codger.

Anonymous wrote:He is terrified that he will be accused of sexual harassment.

Absolutely the reason and I don't blame any male boss for being wary of this possibility. A complaint of sexual harassment may not go any place without some basis but it would involve weeks of investigation and questions being asked to ascertain the facts.

Anonymous wrote:He is terrified that he will be accused of sexual harassment.

In that case he shouldn't have any outings at all, otherwise he will be accused of shutting out female employees from the perks of the job and greater chances of promotion.

Lawsuit in the future.

Anonymous wrote:He is terrified that he will be accused of sexual harassment.

+1

He is terrified that he will be accused of sexual harassment.

God, yes. 100% the case in my office.

I can't help but feel like my boss is sexist. He never invites any females out to lunch. The guys will go out to baseball games, fishing, random happy hours, etc. and the females never get invited.

Common in your office?