How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

There are many ways employers can foster a supportive and safe work environment for their employees. Here’s how to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

To prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, employers should maintain a clear sexual harassment policy, as well as actively train all employees, supervisors, and managers on proper workplace conduct. On the other hand, it is recommended that employees (especially female employees) review and stay up to date on their legal protections.

How Employers Can Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Understanding Sexual Harassment

In order to implement any effective policy concerning sexual harassment, employers should have a clear understanding of the definition and elements of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can be considered any unwelcome sexual advance or conduct in the workplace that creates an unsafe, offensive, hostile, or unwelcoming work environment. Any conduct of a sexual nature can become sexual harassment if an employee feels uncomfortable.

Sexual harassment can take on many different forms including, but not limited to:

Implying that an employee needs to sleep with their supervisor to keep a job or get a raise
Telling sexually explicit jokes
Referring to an employee or co-worker using sexist or demeaning terms
Using sexually explicit language
Making demeaning, sexually crude comments

The harasser may be the victim’s employer, supervisor, manager, or co-worker. While sexual harassment most notably regards female employees, anyone of any sex/gender can be sexually harassed. Men may also face sexual harassment in the workplace. However, the majority of sexual harassment claims do come from women who were sexually harassed by men in their place of work.

Creating or Updating Company Policies Related to Harassment

Companies should have a policy devoted to sexual harassment in their employee handbook. The policy should provide employees with a clear definition of sexual harassment. It should also explicitly state that such misconduct will not be tolerated in the workplace and will result in discipline or termination. The policy should lay out a procedure for employees to file sexual harassment complaints, as well as the intended investigation process for all complaints. Sexual harassment policies should also clearly state that retaliation against an employee who files a complaint about sexual harassment is prohibited.

Actively Holding Conduct Training for Staff and Employees

In addition to having a clear sexual harassment policy, the employer should ensure that that the work environment serves as an interactive learning environment. At least once a year, organizations and companies should conduct harassment training sessions for their employees. Employees should learn the definition of sexual harassment, as well as the company’s complaint procedure and review process. Employees have a right to a safe and healthy workplace.

Conducting a separate training session for higher-ups should be held to ensure that managers and supervisors understand how to properly deal with sexual harassment complaints. Educating management on sexual harassment will help ensure that all bases are covered in preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.

Understanding Legal Rights & Protections

It is important that employees understand their rights as they navigate the workplace. Aside from federal and state laws, employees should review employee handbooks and other related materials to gain insight into company policies on sexual harassment.

FAQs About How to Prevent Sexual Harassment

What should I do if I’m experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace?

If you believe that you are experiencing sexual harassment in your place of work, it is important to document your experiences. If you are willing and ready, complain to the proper authority in your company as soon as possible. This should allow the employer to take swift and appropriate action.

How can companies make sexual harassment training more effective?

One way to make sexual harassment training more effective is to emphasize a collaborative, positive solution. Rather than focusing on the negatives, or “what not to do”, engage your employees to be part of the prevention and solution. Utilizing positive messaging can help promote a more respectful work culture – cultivating a safe work environment for all.

Contact Her Lawyer

If you need to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, get your free consultation with one of our California Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys today! We won’t charge you a dime unless you win your case.