Preventing Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. A manager or supervisor has a responsibility to those he manages to provide a work environment that doesn’t allow harassment to thrive in any way. If you are a new small-business owner or manager, these steps can help you achieve a harassment-free workplace:
Company Policy
Every company should have a written policy on sexual harassment, as well as other forms of harassment. The document should outline what sexual harassment is and give clear examples of sexual harassment, for both men and women. When it is clearly written what kind of behavior will not be tolerated by the company, employees have no excuses to claim that they didn’t realize the behavior was inappropriate.
The document should also outline the proper protocol for filing a complaint against someone in the workplace, should a situation arise. Finally, it should also clearly outline the process the company will take to remedy the situation. For example, a company sexual harassment policy could say that there is a zero tolerance policy and a proven infraction would result in immediate suspension or termination.
Training And Education
Once the company policies are defined and outlined, employees should receive copies, and they should sign a form indicating that they read the policies. Keep notes on which employees read and returned the policy to keep in their files.
Hold sexual harassment awareness training at least twice per year, and require attendance from all employees. These kinds of training seminars give everyone the opportunity to gain awareness of the issue and understand workplace harassment laws. Not only does it seek to deter would-be perpetrators, but it will give potential victims the knowledge and information they might need to file a complaint.
Enforcement
When employees have been trained in the company policy concerning sexual harassment in the workplace, it’s important for the manager to take action when such violations do occur. Following through with the discipline as promised by the company sends a message to everyone that the upper management is committed to keeping the workplace a safe and comfortable place to be.
Harassment Articles, Videos & HowTos
Harassment in the workplace is an issue you might need to deal with if you become a manager. When an employee comes forward with complaints about a co-worker’s behavior, a good manager will have a plan in place.
Unfortunately, some people who were bullies as children become bullies as adults. Since they encounter too many people who are afraid of them, they might be able to bully their way into a good job. These people poison companies, but they somehow manage to stick around. Luckily, you don’t have to put up with them.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. If you are a new small-business owner or manager, these steps can help you achieve a harassment-free workplace.
The definition of harassment is physical or verbal hostility toward someone with legally protected status. Understanding what constitutes harassment will allow workers to recognize it when it is happening and put a stop to it.
Several types of harassment are prohibited by United States laws and regulations. Although sexual harassment is the most common, managers and companies must also watch out for any other forms of workplace harassment.
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