How to Deal with Sexual Harassment in the Office
How to Deal with Sexual Harassment in the OfficeThe workplace is one of the places in which sexual harassment often occur. Although there are laws protecting employees from sexual harassment from superiors and fellow employees, sexual offenses in the workplace are still being reported. Regrettably, due to various reasons, there are times that the victim does not file a complaint.
This problem affects the security of the employees in a company. It can also affect the quality of work and the relationship of the employees with one another. To deal with this issue, here are some tips.
Know which actions fall under sexual harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome touching, suggestive or sexual comments and jokes, display or materials that are sexual (such as photos and reading materials), and sexual requests.
Prevention is the best way to deal with sexual harassment
Make sure that you company has a policy and penalty for sexual harassment. If there is none, call the attention of the superiors or the labor organization to help in creating one. Make sure that everyone knows of this policy and the consequences for each violation. Encourage everyone to report sexual harassment issues and assure the complainant’s privacy and security.
Report sexual harassment when it happens
By reporting incidences of sexual harassment, you will be able to call the attention of the management regarding the problem. Follow the procedures for reporting the issue and gather the necessary supporting evidences for your report. Consult the HR for the company procedures for filing a complaint.
There are times that sexual harassment happens because the culprit thought that is being welcomed by the victim. The culprit has probably seen signs that the victim is okay with such behavior. Refrain from flirting while in the workplace and keep yourself from nasty jokes and comments. If you are uncomfortable with how a colleague treats you, inform him or her. Perhaps, due to differences in personal beliefs, the other person is not aware that you are not comfortable with his or her behavior.
Sexual harassment is an offensive behavior that affects not just the culprit and the victim but also the other people in the workplace. Encourage the people in the office to behave properly when dealing with colleagues and clients. Also, ask them to be vigilant in preventing sexual harassment from occurring. If it still happens, be ready to report the issue to the management so that it can be efficiently handled.
Photo Credit : cpt.spock
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