Harassment, specifically of a sexual nature, can be difficult to identify and define in the workplace. Sarcasm, innuendo, and suggestive insinuation have become a pervasive part of our culture and social interactions.
Over time this process has developed into many liberating rights for workers. It may have seemed like an easy transition but we have come a long way and there is still some slack we need to pick up in the world today.
Often, when a situation of unrequited affection or sexual harassment begins, it is difficult for the one being harassed to approach the situation. Often, these individuals do not want to get the other person into trouble, or feel like they themselves are overreacting.
The issue that started to occur during the industrial revolution is fully tangible in Charles Dickens' novels about the cotton mills and the working class in Britain. It may not have been slavery but people were, indeed being treated like commodities and this led to several revolts in Great Britain and even revolutions in other countries in Europe. The Proletariat or working class decided that they had had enough and were ready to be treated as well as the Aristocracy.
The EEOC states that, "although the law doesn't prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or sever that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment..." Additionally it is illegal for an individual to be fired or demoted upon the basis of refusing to respond or comply with unwanted advances and behaviors. What Should You Do When Harassed?
One of the most important issues brought up by inappropriate relationships in the workplace, is the safety, or perceived safety of the employees.
During WWII many women started to take the reins of the economy and started taking on the jobs that many men had left behind. When the men came back they found that these women had adapted themselves rather quickly to the business and industrial environments. Not only had they adapted themselves but they were planning on staying.
There are many different types of training available, including videos, meetings, memos, and even online sexual harassment training. Each of these kinds of training can be extremely useful tools for employees and employers to ensure that their places of business will be safe, productive, and comfortable for all employees.
Again, the key to being able to successfully handle these types of situations is to educate yourself. Seek out resources that will prepare you to respond with a level head and in a professional manner.
Online sexual harassment trainings are available and many large companies and institutions offer their own trainings as well. As G.I. Joe tells us, "knowing is half the battle." So learn, prepare, and know your rights when it comes to interacting with your associates and feeling safe in your workplace.
Over time this process has developed into many liberating rights for workers. It may have seemed like an easy transition but we have come a long way and there is still some slack we need to pick up in the world today.
Often, when a situation of unrequited affection or sexual harassment begins, it is difficult for the one being harassed to approach the situation. Often, these individuals do not want to get the other person into trouble, or feel like they themselves are overreacting.
The issue that started to occur during the industrial revolution is fully tangible in Charles Dickens' novels about the cotton mills and the working class in Britain. It may not have been slavery but people were, indeed being treated like commodities and this led to several revolts in Great Britain and even revolutions in other countries in Europe. The Proletariat or working class decided that they had had enough and were ready to be treated as well as the Aristocracy.
The EEOC states that, "although the law doesn't prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or sever that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment..." Additionally it is illegal for an individual to be fired or demoted upon the basis of refusing to respond or comply with unwanted advances and behaviors. What Should You Do When Harassed?
One of the most important issues brought up by inappropriate relationships in the workplace, is the safety, or perceived safety of the employees.
During WWII many women started to take the reins of the economy and started taking on the jobs that many men had left behind. When the men came back they found that these women had adapted themselves rather quickly to the business and industrial environments. Not only had they adapted themselves but they were planning on staying.
There are many different types of training available, including videos, meetings, memos, and even online sexual harassment training. Each of these kinds of training can be extremely useful tools for employees and employers to ensure that their places of business will be safe, productive, and comfortable for all employees.
Again, the key to being able to successfully handle these types of situations is to educate yourself. Seek out resources that will prepare you to respond with a level head and in a professional manner.
Online sexual harassment trainings are available and many large companies and institutions offer their own trainings as well. As G.I. Joe tells us, "knowing is half the battle." So learn, prepare, and know your rights when it comes to interacting with your associates and feeling safe in your workplace.
About the Author:
Founded in 1999, WeComply is an industry leader in providing online and offline compliance training . We are committed to providing best-of-breed compliance training content, technology and customer service. Our commitment has put us at the leading edge of the e-learning industry - earning WeComply a roster of top-flight clients and partners.
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