Define Sexual Harassment In The
Workplace
To
define sexual harassment is broad, but usually it leads to purposes of
intimidation and hostility among employees, and any discriminating sexual
advances or conduct by employers or co-employees can be classified under
sexual harassment. What most people don't realize is that sexual harassment
nowadays is very prevalent in the workplace.
Sexual harassment doesn't have to be in the form of asking any sexual
favors in exchange of benefits at work, but it can also come in different
pervasive and unwelcome acts that can create a hostile work environment
(sexist remarks, explicit language, demeaning comments, etc.). Because
of the organization hierarchy that exists among all workplaces, employers
or those who are in the higher levels in the corporate ladder account
for the majority of the offenders. Females are the usual target of sexual
harassment offenders, and more often than not these offenses do not always
get reported for fear of humiliation and threats by the offender. Half
of the victims of sexual harassment chose to silence themselves, and only
about ten percent of those women actually report these incidents to higher
authorities.
Sexual harassment is a blatant violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act, and employers must have a sense of responsibility of maintaining
a conducive work environment for their employees, and that includes making
the workplace sexual harassment-free. For employers who do care for the
welfare of their workforce, they must have a clear anti-sexual harassment
policy in their corporate manuals that defines offenses regarding sexual
harassment and the disciplinary actions that will be imposed to the offenders.
They must also conduct workshops/trainings at least once a year for employees,
managers and supervisors about sexual harassment and how to deal with
it (some states actually require employers to do that). Always have a
high level of vigilance with what's happening with your workforce and
keep your lines of communication open with your co-workers. And make sure
that you take the necessary actions immediately whenever there's a harassment
complaint that's been raised by any employee. Ultimately, employers should
do everything within their authority to dispel all incidents of sexual
harassment for a better workplace.
John Luke Matthews is a regular contributor of relevant articles about
the jurisprudence of employment. He is part of the Mesriani Law Group
and is currently taking information technology studies as well.
By: John Luke Matthews
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