Sexual harassment should not be allowed inside or outside of the workplace, however, it’s something that’s very prevalent in our society. In the workplace, both men and women are subjected to it. The harassment may come directly or indirectly from your bosses or fellow colleagues. It’s important that your know how to recognize, report, and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
First of all, it’s important for everyone to understand that anyone can be sexually harassed. Although statistics show that women are typically the victims of sexual harassment by men, men can and are sexually harassed as well. It’s a gender-neutral offense; even those of the same sex can sexually harass one another. Some people commit the offense without even knowing what they’re doing is wrong.
The most obvious example of sexual harassment would be a co-worker, or boss, making several unwanted sexual advances towards you. However, sexual harassment comes in many different shapes and forms. For instance, artwork or text that’s sexually suggestive, and hanging up in the workplace, could be considered sexual harassment. Mass emails, even if they were meant to be ‘funny,’ can be considered as sexual harassment, if the content of the email is somehow sexually explicit or inappropriate. These are the signs that have to be recognized for Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
In order to successfully prevent sexual harassment employers and employees need to be educated on the matter. It’s important that employees are trained annually on the topic of sexual harassment. Employees should understand what constitutes as harassment, why it’s not allowed in the workplace, and how to report it if it’s ever witnessed. Employers should be required to go through the same education process each year. The training sessions given to employers should inform them on how to deal with the complaints they receive, as well as how to recognize if they themselves are unintentionally committing the offense. Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace takes this kind of commitment.
If you feel you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment, and the harassment hasn’t stopped or been taken seriously, you should consider consulting with an attorney. Visit website for more legal advice and counseling.
