Play Nice - Playground Rules for Respect in the Workplace

Brigitte Gawenda Kimichik, JD & JR Tomlinson
Brown Books Publishing Group (2019)
ISBN: 978-1612542904
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/2025)

Brigitte Gawenda Kimichik, JD and JR Tomlinson’s “Play Nice: Playground Rules for Respect in the Workplace,” is an essential guide for navigating through the complex and often disturbing landscape of sexual harassment in professional environments. It is the first book in The Sandbox Series and tackles an issue that affects an alarming number of individuals. Statistics show that one in three women has experienced sexual harassment at work. Due to the fear of retaliation by reporting, this number could be significantly higher.

The authors provide a comprehensive overview of sexual harassment. This includes a discussion about what it encompasses, including unwelcome advances, verbal and physical harassment, and coercive requests for sexual favors. They highlight how detrimental this is to the workplace. This isn’t just about how the victims are affected, but also the organizational integrity. Through real-life examples, Kimichik and Tomlinson illustrate how often perpetrators receive better treatment for their actions than the victims. The victims are often disregarded and dismissed. Cases from well-known companies are discussed.

“Play Nice” is written in a way that makes it easy for the layperson to understand the legal jargon involved with this issue. Employers and employees will benefit from the information presented here. The authors also present action steps that can be taken to help foster a respectful work environment. They urge readers to implement “playground rules” which are principles learned in childhood that promote fairness and respect. These can be incorporated into adult interactions to ensure that healthy communication and boundaries are present in the workplace.

The “playground” represents the working environment of the company. The metaphor of the “sandbox” is poignant because it illustrates the close quarters in which colleagues must interact, and the need for mutual respect. This is also where men tend to outnumber women. The book advocates for a proactive approach which encourages men and women to engage in conversations about harassment and to challenge inappropriate behaviors as they arise. It empowers readers to stand up against harassment and seek the support they deserve, before the problem gets too far out of hand.

“Play Nice” inspires hope for a future where workplaces are safer and more inclusive. It is an important resource for anyone navigating workplace dynamics and it is especially important for the younger generation, who are entering the workforce. They can be educated and empowered to act before problems get out of hand. I wish I had access to this excellent resource when I entered the workforce as a shy teenager. I would have been more empowered to handle inappropriate behavior in the workplace. “Play Nice” will help create and maintain a respectful and equitable work environment. In a world where change is desperately needed, this book will be a guide to help that happen.