How to Deal with Harassment in the Workplace
The thought of harassment in the workplace typically conjures up bosses sexually harassing employees, but this is not always the case. Often the harassment is between coworkers, which can be in the form of bullying, name calling, and sexually inappropriate conduct. Companies must have a clear policy against such behaviors and educating employees and management keeps everyone on the same page.
- Have an updated harassment policy.
Your company needs a policy based on current laws. Many companies
have very outdated policies, which can ultimately set themselves up
for lawsuits should a harassment charge be filed. Therefore have
your harassment policy overhauled and current. - Educate your employees. The key
way to make sure that everyone in your company knows the rules
regarding the harassment policy is to give each employee and manager
a copy of the policy. Next, hold educational meetings about
harassment and the no-tolerance the company holds on the issue. This
way if management or employees take part in any harassing
situations, they know the consequences. - Make sure your company knows what
to do in cases where harassment is reported. Deciding what to do
with a harassment claim as it is happening is not the best policy.
There needs to be discretion on the part of the person making the
complaint or they could face retaliation from the harasser. - Forms need to be filed and you
must have an investigative team that can follow up on the complaint.
For instance, if there were witnesses to the harassment, they should
be interviewed, but again, these employees need to know that coming
forward is discreet. If they think it may cost them their jobs, they
will remain quiet.