Sexual Harassment Policies Protect Employees

Sexual Harassment Polices Protect Employees

People of all ages and races have been affected by sexual harassment in the workplace. Most companies have sexual harassment policies in effect to protect their employees and to protect the company. This paper is going to show you that sexual harassment policies are put in place to protect employees. The impact of sexual harassment has been lessened due to companies implementing sexual harassment policies in the workplace.

According to the article Facts About Sexual Harassment: "Sexual harassment at work is defined as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace or in connection with work, which, in the reasonable perception of the person concerned, is:

(a) used as a basis for a decision which affects that person's employment or professional

situation, or

(b) creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating work environment for that person." Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and victims may sue under Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1864. Harassment may be physical or verbal. Some examples of physical harassment would be kissing, touching, hugging, pinching, blocking the victim's path, or standing close to the victim. Verbal harassment includes oral or written requests to the victim. The EEOC defines sexual harassment as: "It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person's sex." Harassment can include "sexual harassment" or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature (Facts about sexual, n.d.). Some people flirt openly with others, it is part of their personality. Flirting is acceptable, but you should never cross the line with someone. Crossing the line includes making unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

Some women feel that reporting a sexual harassment incident will cause problems and sometimes they don't take it seriously. Being harassed can cause you to feel embarrassed, confused or alone. That is why it isn't always reported. Some workplaces have sexual harassment classes that every employee must take to make them aware of the consequences of harassing someone on the job. Sexual harassment prevention training should be provided by all workplaces to supervisors, managers and workers so they can recognize it. "The Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR) is the main contact point for questions or concerns about sexual harassment (Sexual harassment policy, n.d.)." It is always best to report an incident when it happens. Do not wait to report sexual harassment because if you do, companies can't be held liable for incidents if you do not follow the company's procedures. You