Question: I accidentally walked into a co-ed bathroom and found my receptionist somewhat disrobed. Should I report this to our boss to be sure there are no misunderstandings?
Your receptionist probably uttered a startled yelp and you probably blurted an embarrassed apology as you quickly backed out with your head down. If it was truly accidental and brief, then it’s likely you both want to put the incident behind you. Perhaps you should ask the maintenance staff to check to make sure that the restroom doors lock properly, but that’s really all you need to do.
On the other hand, if you have any reason to believe something more could be at stake, you might mention the incident to your human resources manager. If either you or the other person has alleged or been accused of sexual harassment in the past, or if your working relationship is less than stellar, there is potential for the incident to be misconstrued. A brief discussion with HR could ensure that your version of the facts is on record in case a misunderstanding emerges later.
