Thursday, February 6, 2014

Discouraging Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment: Unwanted attention that creates an offensive or intimidating work environment, unwanted physical contact, gestures, displays, joking, and language. It is the manager’s job to be aware of and to correct cases of harassment. Ignorance of such activity is not a valid legal defense.

What can the victim do?
—  Live with it
—  Fight back
—  Complain to higher-ups
—  Find another job
—  Sue the employer

Victims win their suits when harassment is
—  Severe
—  Witnesses are present
—  Supporting documentation exists
—  Management had been notified but failed to take action.

What can the organization do?
Practice prevention and remediation
Garner organization-wide commitment to eliminate sexual harassment. Issue a clear sexual harassment policy statement. Provide appropriate awareness training. Establish a grievance procedure for reporting incidents of harassment.

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