
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, October 8, 1995                   TAG: 9510060031
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: F-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WOMEN NEED NOT FEEL DEFENSELESS WHEN LEAVING THE OFFICE AT NIGHT

Q: Women in my office often work late. During the winter, when we leave the office after dark, we are afraid to walk to our cars alone. Our bosses don't seem to understand our concern. One co-worker is changing jobs rather than face this every night.

A: Work on two fronts to decrease the probability of assault. First, increase your street savvy. Second, increase safety awareness inside your office.

Lt. William Beason, with the criminal investigation division of the Roanoke Police Department, urges the "use of common sense: walk with someone, stay in sight of other people, stay in well-lighted areas." If you see someone suspicious, go with your instincts. Beason suggests you "return to your office or go to a well lighted area and call 911." Most important, "always be aware of what's going on around you and take appropriate action."

Consider a simple defense mechanism, such as pepper spray. Beason believes that while "it's up to the individual whether or not to use a defensive weapon, if you choose to arm yourself become familiar with the weapon and keep it accessible."

In the office, talk with others about their concerns. Agree to leave together at a set hour. Park your cars in the same area, leave the office together, and escort one another. Some work may not be finished, and some co-workers may have to wait a few minutes before leaving, but fear will be reduced - an acceptable trade-off.

Meet with your bosses and convey your concerns. Supervisors can offer solutions, such as overtime escorts or altered work schedules, only if they're aware of the problem.

While assault statistics are relatively low in this area, the concern is real. Rather than surrender to fear, work with your co-workers and bosses to arrive at acceptable solutions. Open discussion is often the first step to problem solving.

Q: I had money stolen from my desk. I feel I can't trust anyone here anymore.

A: While you're disappointed by dishonesty, you're also suffering from a sense of diminished security. Regaining security will help restore your good relationships with your co-workers.

Because theft is always a possibility, assume that you are a target and take precautions accordingly. No one should leave anything of value unattended in the workplace. If a theft occurs, notify your supervisor and then law enforcement. If several thefts occur, efforts to stop the crime wave will be greater if everyone is aware of its magnitude.

If you must take cash, credit cards or checks for use throughout the day, take only what you'll actually use and carry it on you. Leave the rest at home.

If you have a drawer that locks, use it and make it a ritual to lock the drawer and doublecheck the security. Carry the key with you at all times - you aren't safe if you lock a drawer and leave the keys on your desk.

Removing the possibility of theft from your work area will allow you to resume feelings of goodwill.

Q: We have a truly incompetent co-worker who's become the target of jokes shared by other co-workers and our boss. The person is unfit for the job, but it seems wrong to have these discussions behind someone's back.

A: It is wrong to mock a co-worker; it's worse when a supervisor participates as a peer. It's a supervisor's responsibility to ensure co-workers demonstrate courteous and respectful behavior toward one another; it's also the supervisor's responsibility either to elicit the desired behavior from an employee or to terminate the employment.

Talk with your supervisor. Explain you're uncomfortable participating in the discussions. Add that you welcome the opportunity to participate in efforts to improve the co-worker's performance.

Following that meeting, use a conversation-stopper whenever the critique begins. One stopper: "I've never been comfortable talking negatively about anyone behind his [or her] back. Please excuse me." Then leave. Another stopper: "Whenever we can move to discussing a plan to help him improve, please count me in. Until then, I really don't feel right talking about him." Then leave.

If the behavior doesn't cease, you have - at a minimum - established your boundaries without offending others. It's unlikely you'll be included in future gripe sessions. In the happiest scenario, your actions and words may serve as models for others.

by CNB