Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
Sexual harassment by definition is any advance made of a sexual nature, that is not welcomed that happen in the work place.
This also includes conduct of a sexual nature that makes people feel uncomfortable like telling illicit jokes.
Anything that is sexual in nature that makes the employee feel discomfort can be possible sexual harassment.
Below are just some of the many and different ways that sexual harassment can happen.
Also some ideas that can help prevent it.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace:
- A person in a supervisory position makes the employee feel that they must sleep with him or her to retain their position in the company.
- A cashier making comments that are demeaning, about some female customers they just waited on, to the people they work with.
- An executive in the office making sexually-themed jokes at a business meeting making the others uncomfortable.
- A worker making physical pass at a coworker, in the form of pinching, or caressing them in some manner, against their will.
- The secretary having to deal with sexist remarks be made to her or her being referred to in terms that are demeaning.
Employers are responsible for providing their employees with a working environment free of sexual harassment. So they need to do all they can to make sure it does not happen. Legal fees can be expensive for fighting sexual harassment lawsuits today. People are winning these suits more than ever today too.
Sexual harassment can be prevented by taking the appropriate measures. Below are some ideas that help prevent it:
The employer needs to have a strong, plainly stated policy on sexual harassment. They should have in printed into the employee handbook that everyone gets upon hiring. It should have a whole section dedicated to it. The policy should include the following:
- Company’s definition of sexual harassment.
- A statement that says that no sexual harassment will be tolerated in any way.
- Clearly state that the harasser will be either disciplined or fired for their actions.
- Have some clear guidelines for filing complaints on sexual harassment.
- Pledge to take every complaint seriously and investigate it to the fullest extent.
- Make it clear that the company will not stand any retaliation against the people that have registered complaints on sexual harassment.
Train the employees thoroughly. Hold special training at least one time per year for the employees. This training needs to educate employees as to the meaning of sexual harassment. It needs to also inform the employees that it is their right to have a place to work that is free of all sexual harassment. Tell them the procedure for filing complaints and encourage them to use as needed.
Train the managers and supervisors thoroughly too. They need to be trained separately for the employees on the issue of sexual harassment. Not only do they need to understand what it is but they need to understand how to deal with it when a problem arises.
These are definitely things that have to be done to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. But an employer should also monitor the working areas too. They need to move among the employees and make sure things are going well.
Also all complaints have to be taken serious and never made light of. The employer should always strive for a workplace that is free of sexual harassment.
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