• 19
  • October
    2011

Some statistics have suggested that 18-20 percent of people meet their spouses at work. The statistic is not surprising, considering most companies are likely to hire individuals who have similar work ethics, and people who work together are likely to share interests.

However, dating at work certainly comes with restrictions, both formal and informal. Many companies in San Francisco have rules prohibiting people in management from dating individuals who report to them. Moreover, common sense should tell people that if they are too persistent or aggressive about pursuing a co-worker, they may need to answer to HR regarding sexual harassment policies -- not to mention their disinterested co-workers.

Regardless, because a manager at one fitness club in California failed to adhere to those common principles, she is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit.

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, a male employee sued 24 Hour Fitness USA Inc., saying his female boss was too friendly with him. In his lawsuit, the man said that the fitness club's manager "invited him out for drinks, asked him to accompany her to Las Vegas and sent him unwanted, suggestive texts for one month this summer."

The man rebuked his boss's advances and specifically asked her to quit hitting on him. In response, she retaliated against him by "falsely criticizing his work performance, diminishing his chances for bonuses and promotion." In addition to the negative impact on his performance review, the man continues to suffer embarrassment and emotional distress.

The fitness club denied the allegations.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "24 Hour Fitness faces sexual harassment lawsuit," Oct. 18, 2011