Legal advice required: What recourse does a manager have?

Question

When a middle age woman makes false accusations against her male manager what recourse does the manager have? The accusations are gender discrimination and job harassment despite the fact the manager hired her in the first place. There is definitely a power struggle along with unnecessary tension and constant visits to HR.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Random thoughts here:

What does her being middle-aged have to do with it? Is age discrimination a factor, too? Or are you much younger than she is and somewhat intimidated by that? Realize that age is not supposed to come into play at all in the work world.

Presumably the manager will have the chance to state his side of each accusation. The employee can't just make global accusations. Specific incidents must be cited. If you did the things the employee is accusing you of, explain your reasons. Were you overseeing her work a little more closely because she was new or having trouble with the work? That's a valid reason, and it has nothing to do with gender or harassment - unless you should have been doing the same thing for a new or underperforming male subordinate and let it slide in his case.

Did you offer plum assignments to male workers and not to her? What were your reasons?

If there have been repeated visits to HR, they are aware of the problem. Do they see it as gender discrimination or harassment? You say it's a power struggle. Is it that she's just trying to do her job the way she sees it? If so, is it possible to just allow that? If not, then the fact is, she's not the boss and she doesn't get the final say.

But has anyone asked her what she wants, what it would take to make her able to work well with you?

Is it possible to request that she be transferred to another team or supervisor with whom she'd be a better fit?

Can you just go through the disciplinary steps to terminate her? She may sue for that, but if the history is documented, she'd probably lose.

Answer 3

Sounds like a he said/she said situation, which can be really tough.  Tell your side of the story, and bring in any witnesses that can help - and hope that you are believed.