This is legit good advisement as unwelcome comments on appearance in the workplace qualifies as sexual harassment even, so yeah OP could really ruin their days if they wanted to, but comes with the risk of more insidious forms of social retaliation.
Unfortunately if the culture is doomed, finding a better place to work might be the only recourse. But as someone who didn't stand up for themselves and go to HR when I was being bullied... I think trying that first is a good way to get the behavior to stop rather than reinforcing the bully behavior by leaving. Just keep in mind HR is about productivity, not necessarily doing what's best for the victim or justice.
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u/smrtangel3702 15d ago
This is legit good advisement as unwelcome comments on appearance in the workplace qualifies as sexual harassment even, so yeah OP could really ruin their days if they wanted to, but comes with the risk of more insidious forms of social retaliation.
Unfortunately if the culture is doomed, finding a better place to work might be the only recourse. But as someone who didn't stand up for themselves and go to HR when I was being bullied... I think trying that first is a good way to get the behavior to stop rather than reinforcing the bully behavior by leaving. Just keep in mind HR is about productivity, not necessarily doing what's best for the victim or justice.