* Taking Precautions Against Workplace Bullying *

I recently started a new position in a different department at a high-end company. The person I will be directly working with has a reputation for sexual harassment, bullying, and driving new staff members out. I have been repeatedly warned about their behavior by employees across various departments, as well as by management and even the company's director. The last person who worked with them ended up switching shifts just to avoid them.

I believe that because this person has been with the company for so long, no one wants to take action.

To protect myself, I purchased two voice-activated recording devices (128GB each) and tested them out. If anything happens, I won’t announce, “I’m recording you.” Instead, I will discreetly save the recordings, transfer them to a USB drive, and create a detailed transcript. Before taking it to the director and HR, I will consult with an attorney.

I chose a recording device over my phone because pulling out my phone would be too obvious, and it would also drain the battery (I’ve made that mistake before). Hopefully, nothing happens, but if it does, I’ll be prepared.

I also hope this information helps others who may be dealing with a staff member who is verbally abusive or underhanded when no one else is around.

I live in a one-party consent state, meaning that only one person involved in a conversation needs to consent to the recording—the other party’s consent is not required.