Netflix Has a New Sexual Harassment Policy. It’s Like 7th Grade on Steroids

One of the big problems with US sexual harassment law is that it depends on feelings. The “victim” must feel offended in order for sexual harassment to occur. That means there are no bright lines (other than criminal ones) that determine what is and what is not sexual harassment.

While this is definitely a problem with the law, Netflix’s solution is even worse. Like, junior high level worse. It’s not clear to me if this policy just applies to UK film crews or is more widely applicable, but nevertheless, it’s a bad policy.

Employees, according to the Daily Mail, can ask one another out on a date one time. If the person says no, the asker must then avoid that person.

Can we be any more immature?

Steve: “Jane, would you like to go to a movie?”

Jane: “No thanks!”

Now Steve can never talk to Jane again.

To keep reading, click here: Netflix Has a New Sexual Harassment Policy. It’s Like 7th Grade on Steroids

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15 thoughts on “Netflix Has a New Sexual Harassment Policy. It’s Like 7th Grade on Steroids

  1. I am a woman. I have been creeped on, had my boundaries crossed, and have been touched inappropriately. Sometimes at work.

    And I find this policy annoying and ridiculous.

    1. But is it a policy or was it just training on how best to act in the workplace? And writing a story based on the outraged joking comments of those who attended the training, probably not the most accurate depiction of what the policy actually says. Besides what is the big deal about having a guideline where if you ask someone out and they say no, so you must avoid asking them out in the future. It doesn’t say you have to avoid the coworker at work. Just avoid trying to get them to socialize outside of work if they have already turned you down for a date.

  2. I wouldn’t get too excited about a third-hand account of a policy — one media outlet reporting what another outlet was saying, both of which appear to be opinion pieces — without seeing the policy itself.

    1. this Is really just an essay about what EVILHR lady feels to be true – regardless of what is factually true.

      It is not written after seeing the HR guidelines, instead she is commenting on comments that are giving what ifs and supposed examples of a policy that no one actually lays out. But it feeels like it could be true, even though it is just one big game of telephone.
      Just another example of EVILHR ladys manufactured outrage.

  3. I think the specifics of making rules this ridiculous has to do with the problem of wording everything PC properly because of mis-interpretations by those who find joy in detailing out meanings of how people interact down to the subconscious level.
    If these rules are truly in place, I would interpret them to mean no interaction at all with others at work except for contact via technology whatever way they are using. Being a person who doesn’t need someone to non-stop talk to do my job, I would be able to function except for the eye contact part as you do need to see to perform job. ( Maybe everyone wears sunglasses to avoid eye contact?)
    I just hope they like working in silence.

    1. Do you often give your personal cell phone number to coworkers? I have never been asked for mine, but on the other hand, if I wanted you to have it, I would’ve offered it. If you have to ask, then you probably don’t need it it for work reasons.

  4. In the example above, is Jane allowed to speak to Steve after she rejects his date offer? If she does, is Steve allowed to reply? Talk about stupid.

    1. I believe the guidance is that if you ask someone out and they say no, then you are not allowed to ask them again. Presumably those being asked are allowed to say “ask me again sometime”if they want, or even ,”now is not a god time for me, but I will let you know when I am free to socialize”.
      These rules are not that bad – they are just asking for both sides to use their agency, and to respect No’s in regards to non-work activities. No where does it say that all communication must stop.

      1. Well that’s the thing. I don’t know what the policy is. I’m being told that the person asking for the date must stop all contact period if rejected. “Employees, according to the Daily Mail, can ask one another out on a date one time. If the person says no, the asker must then avoid that person.” << this is what the article states. Now if this is "fake news" I'll be happy. Is it?

  5. Employees can’t have other employee’s phone numbers? How are you supposed to communicate that the office is closed because the weather is too bad? Guess Netflix isn’t located anywhere there is snow (lucky them).

    1. Presumably, Netflix has a company wide weather alert system, most big companies do. And there is nothing stopping the company from having the personal phone numbers on file. Perhaps at small companies your coworker will call you when the office is closed (though I doubt it. That kind of call is usually made by hr or the boss’s admin). In my 26 years of working, I have never called a coworker to inform them of an office closure.

    1. If you are such a danger to your female co-workers, perhaps it would be better for you to work in an all-male environment.

  6. The problem with this article is that the “Daily Mail” is kind of the British version of the “National Enquirer”. In other words, you’re starting with a source that’s very far right wing and not known for telling the truth.

    1. So if Bat Boy asks a coworker Nessie out, and the coworker says no, then BatBoy must avoid the Lochnes Monster.

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