Objectives

Understand what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace
Learn behaviors to avoid that could be considered sexual harassment
Know your rights and responsibilities under sexual harassment laws
Be able to recognize and report sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is completely unacceptable and should never be tolerated. Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and free from any kind of harassment.

DEFINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. It can include sexual jokes, comments, gestures, or physical contact that make someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Sexual harassment is illegal under US federal law Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Sexually suggestive emails or texts, displaying explicit materials.

Visual harassment

Physical harassment

Touching, groping, physical closeness, blocking pathway.

Verbal harassment

Comments about appearance, personal questions, sexual jokes, insults.

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An employee who sexually harasses a coworker can face civil liability and be required to pay monetary damages. They may also face criminal charges in some cases.

Let's check that you've got it straight

Which of the following is considered sexual harassment?

Complimenting a coworker's new hairstyle

Discussing last night's football game with coworkers

Making sexual jokes around coworkers

correct answer

You got that right

Wrong answer

Let's try again

Badgering a coworker repeatedly to go out on a date would be:

An appropriate way to show romantic interest

Disrespecting boundaries

Flattering behavior

correct answer

You got that right

Wrong answer

Let's try again

WHAT TO AVOID

Avoid creating an environment that could be interpreted as encouraging sexual behavior. This includes avoiding comments or jokes of a sexual nature, not engaging in physical or verbal innuendos, and refraining from unnecessary physical contact such as lingering hugs or inappropriate touching.

Professional Boundaries

Do not initiate or participate in sexual jokes, insults, advances or inappropriate physical contact.

Avoid Sexism

Do not display sexually explicit visual materials in the workplace.

Sexually Explicit

Sexually Charged Questions

Do not ask coworkers sexually charged personal questions.

Respecting Boundaries

Pay attention to coworkers' reactions and body language.
If you sense discomfort, apologize and change your behavior.
Do not badger coworkers to date or spend time outside of work.
Do not touch coworkers or engage in inappropriate physical contact.

Let's check that you've got it straight

Badgering a coworker repeatedly to go out on a date would be:

An appropriate way to show romantic interest

Flattering behavior

Disrespecting boundaries

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

You should: Disrespecting boundaries

You notice a coworker seems uncomfortable with physical contact. You should:

Continue as normal since you mean no harm

Immediately stop the contact and apologize

Complain to others about the coworker overreacting

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

You should: Immediately stop the contact and apologize

PENALTIES FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment has become a prevalent issue in today's society. Over the past several decades, the public has become more aware of the prevalence of sexual harassment in all environments, including the workplace. This chapter discusses the legal penalties for sexual harassment, along with ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that prohibit employers from discriminating based on sex and other protected classes. This includes the prohibition against sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers who violate these laws can face criminal and civil penalties, including fines and other monetary compensation to victims.

Consequences of Harassment and Stalking

Detention

Disciplinary action from employer like warning, mandatory training, suspension, firing

Jail time in criminal cases for stalking, assault and battery related to harassment

Financial damage

Fines or financial penalties for individual or company in civil lawsuits

Criminal Assault

Reporting Sexual Harassment

Report to HR department and/or management
File complaint with EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
Consult attorney regarding lawsuit for harassment and hostile work environment

I've faced continuous harassment at my workplace, I feel it's necessary to report to the HR department.
I'm sorry to hear that you are going through such a difficult time. Yes, the first step would be to notify your human resources department.
Should I also consider filing a complaint with the EEOC?
Yes, if your situation qualifies under the laws that EEOC enforces, a report can be filed.
Should I also think about consulting an attorney about a lawsuit for harassment and hostile work environment?
Definitely, an attorney can provide you guidance on your legal rights and options in this situation.

Let's check that you've got it straight

An employer may face which of the following penalties for sexual harassment incidents?

No penalties

Fines in a civil lawsuit

Jail time

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

Which is the best action if an employee experiences persistent sexual harassment?

Ignore it and avoid the harasser

Consult an attorney about legal options

Complain to coworkers but take no action

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

USE CASE

Case 1

Julia and Bob have been working together as software engineers for eight long years.

One day, Bob compliments Julia, saying she's looking exceptionally good. Initially, Julia brushes it off but when Bob persists, it makes her uncomfortable.

She firmly tells Bob that his comments are inappropriate in the workplace. However, Bob doesn't heed her discomfort and continues, turning it into a pattern.

Frustrated and feeling harassed, Julia finally addresses it, telling Bob that his persisting comments have now crossed the line into sexual harassment territory.

Did Bob cross a line here and exhibit sexually inappropriate behavior?

Yes

no

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

Sexual harassment is a form of unwanted and inappropriate behavior that makes the victim feel humiliated, intimidated or threatened in some way.

Case 2

In a mid-sized tech company, rumors start to circulate about a problematic situation among the team.

A employee named John has obtained a personal, suggestive photo of a female colleague, Sarah, from her Facebook profile without her consent.

John then proceeds to show this picture to other employees during break times.

As an employee who got shown the picture by John, what immediate actions should you take?

Do nothing, it's just a joke

Send it to another people

Report the situation to the HR department

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

What potentially problematic situation arises from John's actions in the workplace?

John is simply sharing a readily available image from Facebook.

John is creating a hostile work environment by sharing a provocative image of Sarah.

John is indirectly promoting the use of social media in the workplace.

John is using Facebook inappropriately at work.

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

Case 3

John and Rachel have interesting conversations over coffee. They talk about the latest news in their work and have fun talks too.

One day, John, walks up to Rachel and says, “Hey Rachel! I’ve been thinking… our little brainstorming sessions are always so full of energy and insight.

How about we grab a coffee sometime, discuss and maybe just chill and chat about life and all its quirks? No pressure though, totally your call!” Rachel, appreciating John's cool vibe and respectful approach, replies with a warm and clear, “Hey John! That’s really sweet of you, and I totally dig our professional jams. But, you know, I kind of like to keep my work and personal vibes in their own lanes. Hope that’s cool with you?” John, with an understanding nod and a cheerful smile, responds, “Absolutely,

If John had made inappropriate and unwelcome remarks about Rachel’s appearance when inviting her for coffee, it would be categorized as:

Sexual Harassment

Friendly Compliment

Professional Communication

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

In a case where a colleague persists in asking someone out and it becomes harassment, what should be the first step of the person feeling harassed?

Quit the job to avoid confrontation

Report to a supervisor or the appropriate department within the organization

Retaliate by spreading counter-rumors about the colleague

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

WHAT IS NOT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment generally involves unwanted and unwelcome words, conduct, or actions, of a sexual nature. So, behaviors, words, and actions that do not have a sexual connotation and are wanted, consensual, and respectful, are usually not considered sexual harassment.

What is NOT Sexual Harassment

Professional Interaction
Friendly, Non-Sexual, and Respectful Compliments
Mutual and Consensual Interaction
Non-Discriminatory Jokes or Conversations
Workplace Training and Discussions

CONCLUSION

My dear teammates, you stand empowered, armed with the knowledge to act right when faced with situations of sexual harassment or bullying.

Should you still find yourselves with lingering curiosities, our dedicated officers stand ready to help quench that thirst for understanding. Picture our workplace as a hive - buzzing with warmth, equality and respect for everyone, regardless of the hierarchal order.

We draw the line at harassment, and that bouncer at the door called Management has absolutely zero tolerance for lawbreakers or unruly behavior go against our hive's rules and principles. From the Queen Bee to the worker bees, we're all in this together.

Thank You

You have successfully completed the Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace You did not pass Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace

Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace

Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace

Objectives

DEFINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

DEFINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

WHAT TO AVOID

WHAT TO AVOID

PENALTIES FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

PENALTIES FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

USE CASE

USE CASE

WHAT IS NOT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

WHAT IS NOT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

We are not done yet

Completion of learning

You have successfully completed the Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace You did not pass Sexual harassment prevention in the workplace