People strive to treat each other with respect and kindness, but the sad reality is that perversions persist under the table. In workplaces, employees expect to do their job in a safe and inspiring environment, but situations like sexual harassment are ever-prevalent.
While no employer wants to support or believe sexual harassment is happening in the office, it’s prominent everywhere in the world. Under the law, sexual harassment constitutes a violation of a person’s human rights. Employers cannot condone this overly sexual conduct in the workplace, nor can they dismiss it as harmless flirtation.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
In the United States, under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers can be held liable for sexual harassment in the workplace. In order to hold employers responsible for sexual harassment, the victim must show that they were the subject of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other types of verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
What constitutes a “hostile work environment” varies according to each person’s situation. In many cases, sexual harassment occurs when the victim feels uncomfortable or intimidated by the actions of their supervisor or co-worker.
Employers are required by law to create and maintain a respectful and professional working environment. In addition, employers must provide a safe environment for their employees. They can avoid sexual harassment cases by setting up a sexual harassment policy and investigating all complaints of sexual harassment.
How to Avoid Sexual Harassment at Work
Tip #1: Ensure the Company Policy Prioritizes Sexual Harassment Prevention
Employers need to ensure that their policies are clear, concise, and in line with the law. They must inform their employees of the consequences and the seriousness of violating the employer’s sexual harassment policy.
Tip #2: Ensure Everyone in the Office Understands What Constitutes Sexual Harassments
Employers need to ensure that their employees understand the workplace environment they are expected to create and what constitutes sexual harassment. By doing this, it’s a clear indication that the employer is aware of sexual harassment and is not condoning it.
Tip #3: Provide Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Programs
Employers need to be proactive and ensure that their employees are well-informed on the issue of sexual harassment. This can be done through online or in-person training. Sexual harassment training programs are an excellent way to create a safe environment in the workplace and limit the chances of experiencing sexual harassment.
Tip #4: Don’t Just Focus on Legal Terms, Establish that Sexual Harassment is an Act of Disrespect, No matter the Situation
Being “polite” or “politically correct” in the workplace does not mean that your actions aren’t sexual harassment. The policies aren’t guidelines for behavior; they are ways of telling employees what not to do.
Sexual harassment is more than just a violation of certain legal terms, it is the act of disrespect. It is the act of feeling entitled to a certain level of behavior. It’s the act of not listening to someone say that their behavior is hurtful.
The Bottom Line: Creating a Safe Workplace Environment Free from Risks of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or profession. By understanding the causes of sexual harassment and the legal ramifications, employers can be aware in the workplace. Being aware and preventing it is the first step in creating a safe and nurturing work environment.
By following the tips above, employers can create a safe workplace environment free from the risks of sexual harassment. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment at work and would like to seek legal counsel, you can contact Ronemus & Vilensky!
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