What is sexual harassment in the workplace? It is any behavior directed at another person because of his or her gender.
To be considered sexual harassment, the behavior must be serious, pervasive, and affect an individual’s ability to do their job well. It also has to be an intentional violation of a person’s right to privacy. To be considered sexual harassment, an employer must be liable for the harassment. In addition, sexual harassment can occur at any workplace, and many people are unaware of how to spot it.
Characteristics of sexual harassment
In addition to the negative impact on the victim’s well-being, sexual harassment in the workplace is expensive. The costs of harassment include increased turnover and absenteeism, reduced individual and group productivity, and lost managerial time investigating complaints. Additionally, the costs of harassment can extend to the cost of retaliation, such as paying damages to the victim. The following characteristics of sexual harassment in the workplace may be indicative of an ongoing problem at your workplace.
The first characteristic of sexual harassment is its nature. The perpetrator’s intention is to coerce or intimidate women. It often involves the use of power. The perpetrator may also be a member of the opposite sex. As the victim, she becomes the “accused” in the situation, preventing her from taking countermeasures. Another characteristic is that the victim’s private life and dress are often attacked.
Victims of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment can leave its victims feeling traumatized and depressed. The victim will also feel shame and guilt about the incident, which can lead to self-blame. It is vital for victims to speak up and tell the perpetrator what happened, as well as to find a safe place to talk about the experience. Sexual harassment is illegal, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has laws and regulations in place to prevent it.
Psychological and physical health are closely linked. Victims of sexual harassment often suffer from decreased self-esteem and reduced appetite. They may also experience weakened immunity and weight fluctuations. Physical health issues may include depression, insomnia, headaches, and increased risk of high blood pressure. Even if a victim’s symptoms are not permanent, sexual harassment can cause a range of mental health issues, including headaches and irritability.
Forms of sexual harassment
Many forms of sexual harassment occur in the workplace, from comments on body parts to inappropriate touch. It may be in a single incident or a combination of events. For example, a manager might repeatedly ask a clerk to be his or her date and make sexually explicit remarks in front of her. If these incidents take place regularly, the manager could be guilty of sexual harassment. Even a landlord could be held responsible for sexual harassment if he or she doesn’t treat a woman with respect.
Quid pro quo: a Latin phrase that means “this for that” or “a favor for a favor.” This kind of sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor or manager offers employment to a victim only if she agrees to make sexual advances, or makes sexual contact with them. These incidents may include overt requests, suggestive words, or physical contact. Even worse, they may have no sexual motivation, but are nonetheless sexual harassment.
Reporting sexual harassment
In the first instance, report sexual harassment in the workplace to your company’s human resources department or a supervisor. Document the harassment as thoroughly as possible. This will help prove your case to a government agency, company investigator, or jury. If the harassment persists or worsens, you may have grounds to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
In order to be eligible for compensation, sexual harassment must be pervasive and/or offensive. The conduct must be both “unwelcome” and “severe.” The latter includes repeated or severe sexual encounters and an adverse employment decision. It’s also important to note that you don’t need to have a date to file a lawsuit. You can also file a separate lawsuit if the harassment persists because of retaliation on your part.
Keeping a journal is a good idea if you’ve been a victim of harassment. Documentation can be in the form of emails, social media comments, photographs, and a list of witnesses. You can also get support from coworkers, unions, and community organizations. You shouldn’t feel guilty for reporting harassment unless you’re forced to, so don’t be afraid to ask for it.
