Sexual Harassment Can be a “Cold Play”: How to Recognize & Address It, Part II
Workplace entanglements have had a spotlight placed on them recently (or, in some cases a kiss-cam). While not every office relationship is harassment, when sexual or romantic gestures are part of the workplace, harassment lines can be easily crossed. Harassment is not always blatant or obvious, and can take many forms.
Part 1 of this two-part series focused on introducing the concept of sexual harassment in the workplace as a whole. This second installment will focus on employer responsibilities and obligations to their employees. We will also discuss employee rights and resources, including preventative measures that employees might take if they begin to worry about their situation at work.
While this is good general information, it is not official legal advice. Sexual harassment situations can be serious. Resources are out there for gaining help and formal advice unique to your situation. To learn more and gain legal perspective, contact an experienced sexual harassment attorney at the Forsythe Law Firm.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for creating a safe work environment. This includes implementing policies and training to prevent sexual harassment. Preventing sexual harassment includes steps like educating both the employees and their management team about recognizing what qualifies as harassment, and fostering a work culture of respect. This often includes annual training, posting educational flyers in common areas such as a bulletin board in the break room, etc.
Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with laws in place to prevent sexual harassment can lead to devastating legal and financial repercussions for employers. Georgia law requires employers to maintain work environments free from harassment – and will hold employers accountable if a suit is brought showing they did not uphold their duty to their employees.
It is important to note that employees have these rights and protections – but you must sometimes take action to protect and pursue them. Employees are held responsible for failing to protect their employees. But sexual harassment is something that often requires employees to speak out. Some situations are not obvious to those not affected. Employees often need to take action to draw attention to a situation that needs to stop.
Employee Rights and Resources
Employees should understand that rights and resources exist that can help. Georgia employees are protected under state and federal laws from workplace harassment. By knowing your rights, you can help to advocate for yourself and ensure that your workplace is acting in tandem with all of the appropriate legal standards.
Accessing Support and Resources
Addressing harassment of any sort can feel tricky when you are in a work setting. There are laws against employers retaliating against victims for harassment. However, knowing where to turn and how to handle yourself is important. Often, if a person does not realize that their actions are unwelcome or making you uncomfortable, it may be effective to simply vocalize that a given situation or behavior makes you uncomfortable and it needs to stop. Management and Human Resources are legally obligated to ensure the workplace does not foster harassment or abusive behavior. If further action needs to be taken, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) accepts lawsuits from thousands of employees every year.
The best and easiest lawsuit is one that never has to happen. Preventative measures, training, and education are crucial in helping to lessen the number of instances that need to pursue legal action.
Contact the Forsythe Law Firm
The best and easiest lawsuit is one that never has to happen. Preventative measures, training, and education are crucial in helping to lessen the number of instances that need to pursue legal action. Using your voice to express boundaries is also key – if you are not sure where to start, an experienced Atlanta sexual harassment attorney at the Forsythe Law Firm can help. Who you talk to and what evidence you gather to support your side of the story can be critical in any future legal case you might pursue. An experienced attorney at the Forsythe law firm can help you assess the circumstances of your own situation – contact our office today.
Sources:
doas.ga.gov/human-resources-administration/sexual-harassment-prevention/sexual-harassment-prevention-overview
miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article309771255.html
