Sexual harassment refers to a situation that involves a person making continued, undesired sexual advancements, appealing for sexual favors, or doing physical or verbal conduct of an erotic nature to another person against his or her desires. Sexual harassment in workplace can happen when rejection of or submission to such happenings implicitly or explicitly affects a person’s work, unreasonably interferes with his or her employment performance or ends up creating an offensive, intimidating or hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment can happen in a wide range of different scenarios including;
*Offensive words on clothes, unwanted jokes or gestures, and undesired comments that are erotic in nature.
*Touching or making any other form of bodily contact like patting or scratching a co-worker’s back without his or her consent, or involuntary hugging or kissing of an employee.
*Repeated appeals for dates or any other get- together requests which are always turned down.
*Posting or transmitting pictures or emails having a sexual nature.
*Playing sexually suggestive videos or music.
How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in Workplace
Tip#1: Adopting a Transparent Sexual Harassment Policy
Employers should have in their employees’ handbook a policy dedicated to sexual harassment. The policy should cover several things including:
1.Definition of sexual harassment
2.State that sexual harassment events are unacceptable and will not be tolerated
3.Set out a transparent process for filing a sexual harassment complaint
Tip#2: Training Employees
At least once or twice every year, an employer should provide training sessions for workers. The sessions should educate or inform workers that they have a right to a work environment free of any form of sexual harassment or assault. The session should also review the sexual harassment process if any, and encourage workers to use it.
Tip#3: Training Managers and Supervisors
It is also vital that employers organize training sessions for managers and employees, which emphasize why sexual harassment is prohibited and the different consequences harassers will face including full arm of the law.
Tip#4: Taking all Complaints Seriously
If a person complaints about being sexually harassed, as an employer it is vital you conduct investigations immediately. In case you confirm any sexual harassment complaint is valid, you should ensure your response is swift and effective.
Why You Should Consider Employing a Sexual Harassment Law Firm
As a victim of sexual harassment, hiring a sexual harassment law firm can make you reap a number of merits including:
#1: Representing you in court and ensuring your rights are protected
#2: Attorneys representing you will use their knowledge while adhering to the terms of the constitution so as to make the harasser face the consequences of doing such an unwelcome act which may include a penalty such as serving a jail term
#3: Giving you professional advice on what exactly to do any time you are harassed in your place of employment
Bottom Line
As a victim of sexual harassment, in addition to seeking for the aid of a sexual harassment law firm, you should also look for a professional counselor that can guide you on how to deal with the aftermath pressure or how to restrain your confidence in your place of work so that you can restore your productivity.