Stop the harassment now
There are two types ofsexual harassment.One is quid pro quo and the second is called hostile work environment.Quid pro quo can only be committed by a supervisor/manager to a subordinate.It can come in the form of either promising something of value in return, such as a promotion or higher pay.It can also come as a threat such as termination or demotion if the sexual favors are not performed.
For example, if a supervisor or manager says to an employee, “You know you could go much further if you wore shorter skirts.” This is a quid pro quo example of an expressed demand for sexual favors. The demand can also be implied or vague such as a comment like “You have great legs.” Even if a person succumbs to the sexual advance they still can file a claim. They are not eliminated from seeking a remedy.
The other type of sexual harassment is creating ahostile work environment. This can be perpetrated by a supervisor, manager, co-worker,vendor, customer or contractor. There is no promise of a reward but it is a constant flow of unprofessional behavior that creates anuncomfortable workspace.The nature of a hostile work environment can be as follows:
To further clarify a hostile work environment vulgar language can include jokes and gestures of a sexual or offensive nature.Physical conduct can be placing an unwelcome arm around a co-workers shoulder, hugging and intimate touching.Offensive literature can be adult magazines and books left in plain sight.The offensive pictures can be photos and magazine centerfolds that depict persons in various stages of undress displayed on a wall orcubicle.
Sexual harassment does not just affect women but men also.In fact more andmore menare now experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace.In 2006, The EEOC reported that almost 2000 cases were filed by men.Since there are now more women in the workplace and more women supervisors and managers quid pro quo harassment is more prevalent.
For fear of being ridiculed men are much more reluctant than women to stand up against this abuse. This abuse can be just as hurtful and disturbing to men as it is to women. A man that did not want to give his name found himself in a female office at a college.The women would make offensive sexual jokes and openly discuss male anatomy.This is an excellent example of creating a hostile work environment.When he asked for the behavior to stop he was presented with a “you have to be kidding me attitude”.Even though women suffer this treatment at a greater rate the same laws protect both genders.
It is also sexual harassment if a person is being harassed by a member of the same gender.Such as if a male employee has been offered a promotion if they perform sex acts by a male supervisor.
So if sexual harassment is present what are the steps to end the abuse? First tell the person causing the abuse politely that it needs to stop.If the abuse continues then go to their immediate superior, if they are the supervisor then go to their supervisor.If neither remedy works then take it to thehuman resourcesdepartment.After that take the case to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).If a company refuses to take responsibility and attempt to end the abuse they can be held just as liable as the perpetrator.
Most companies these days will have some kind of sexual harassmentpolicyin place.It would have a special section in the employee handbook stating what sexual harassment is and how to report it.During most companies new-hire orientation the human resources representative will go over what the policy is for that company. Or many companies will have special training set aside to go over sexual harassment in detail. It would cover the two types of harassment and give examples of each.The training may include a video presentation or role playing scenarios.
The best way to combat sexual harassment is to prevent it all together. Everyone deserves to work in a pleasant environment. If it is known that the abuse will not be tolerated then it is more unlikely that it will occur.
