A novel service, BeeMail, started earlier this year. CRUSHER, created by the non-profit organization The Wolf and the Bee, seeks to combat workplace harassment by dispatching warning emails to harassers. Working together, Cheri Wolf and Sandy Lisonbee created this initiative to protect employees. It is designed to be a practical collection of information and guidance for individuals who have experienced sexual harassment at work. The service is $25, which the founders euphemistically refer to as a “donation.” This new initiative is a positive step toward fulfilling that broader mission and keeping harassment from turning violent.
BeeMail dispatches an automated email message to those accused of the violations of sexual harassment, using the subject line “We Don’t Tolerate Your Behavior.” The actual content of the message is deliberately written in a vague way to shield the victim’s identity. This method provides a more respectful, less confrontational heads up warning. It serves as an early intervention tool for those who have experienced harassment for the first time.
The creators of BeeMail purposefully created it to encourage conversations about inappropriate workplace behavior before it gets out of hand. “We hope to see this as an opportunity to reflect on your interactions and do better moving forward,” said Cheri Wolf. She reiterated that this service should not be considered a fix for the most extreme harassment situations. Rather, it is a necessary starting point for addressing misconduct.
BeeMail’s introduction comes at a time when many organizations are grappling with how to effectively handle workplace harassment and discrimination. The service aims to empower both the victim and those accused in an incident by fostering honest, direct dialogue. “We need to start normalizing this idea that we can listen to feedback without getting defensive,” Wolf stated. “It’s really about understanding and weighing out whether this uncomfortable process is also going to be empowering for you.”
The service is based on the idea that HR departments are just looking out for the good of the organization. This often leads to the needs of individual employees being deprioritized. Cappelli, an expert in HR practices, noted, “What people don’t understand is that ultimately, HR works for the company and the employer organization.” He further explained that the core function of HR should be to advise leadership, not be the protector of employees.
BeeMail is intended to help address what’s missing from conventional HR efforts. Workers finally have a new, independent-off ramp to express their concerns. This provides some needed flexibility for victims of harassment to take action without placing an immediate burden on them to engage their employers. This has been particularly beneficial for individuals like NK Beale, who shared their experience of feeling unsupported by HR: “My manager was advising me to put in my notice,” Beale recalled, reflecting on their experience of workplace harassment.
The move is a further reflection on an ongoing trend toward independent HR solutions that’s gained traction in recent years. These services can provide employees with effective and novel approaches to address workplace problems. They offer solutions that are not normally considered through established channels that historically and systematically ignore their issues.
Unlike other solutions, BeeMail specifically addresses the misconduct at early incidents of harassment, in an attempt to prevent more grotesque forms of harassment from progressing. The founders feel that if this kind of behavior is addressed early on, it can make for a much healthier workplace environment. Wolf didn’t sugarcoat it, you are likely going to have to continue to interface with the person who is harassing you. He stressed the need to address those relationships in positive, constructive ways.
BeeMail shouldn’t obscure the need for more systemic approaches in cases of extreme harassment. Rather than undermining merit, it strengthens employees’ voices who often find themselves voiceless, giving them a crucial first step. The closing note delivered with each BeeMail message is a reminder that even those who make mistakes can learn and improve. By encouraging reflection and accountability, the service aims to make an affirmative impact on workplace cultures.