Employee does not want potlucks at the workplace

Dear Annie: I am not a fan at all of potlucks at work. First of all, I think it is rude to ask employees who have worked all day to bring food into work the next day. Secondly, I am concerned about the food. Is it old? Has it been prepared in a hygienic environment? I feel that companies should have food delivered to their employees and not burden the employees with buying food, preparing food and dragging large slow cookers and trays of food into work. I think it would be best for employees to share the expense and have the food delivered. I am hoping others in the workplace see this and realize that a lot of people do not want to be burdened with the potluck ordeal. Am I just not a team player?

Potlucked Out

Dear Potlucked Out: There’s a simple social contract for potlucks: Bring food if you want to eat; don’t eat if you don’t bring food. They’re optional by definition.

If management gives you any grief, pitch your idea of organizing a group takeout order from a nearby restaurant so you can all bond over a shared meal without the additional labor. Sometimes being a good team player means suggesting some changes to the playbook. Dear Annie: I was a victim of office bullying for years. An older woman felt the need to always comment about my hair and makeup. It was draining, as I was stuck in the office with her. Others wouldn’t even stick up for me or themselves; they would end up just leaving the company. I wish I had stood up for myself, because this woman made my workdays so long and terrible. Now I work with positive people.

I guess the question I have is: Can I get over this? Why was this allowed for so long? Aren’t there laws against harassment in the workplace?

Harassed for Years

Dear Harassed for Years: Harassment should be documented and reported to management and human resources. If bullying is based on discriminatory grounds, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (https://www.eeoc.gov).

It’s in companies’ best interest to weed out toxic behavior in the workplace.

If thoughts about past harassment persist, a counselor could help you talk through your experience and unpack any emotional baggage this office bully saddled you with.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.