Harassment in the Workplace
Harassment is a form of discrimination, and even though it is against the law, there are still some issues regarding harassments and it usually arises in the workplace.
Harassment Complaints
If any form of harassment arises, complaints may be filed and most employers become uneasy and nervous when they are faced with harassment complaints. These complaints may have a great effect and may lead to the following:
• Tensions in the workplace
• Expensive legal battles
• Government investigations
If ever the harassment complaint is not properly handled, even if it is not intended, an employer may unsuspectingly put himself/herself out of business.
Strategies for Employers in Handling Harassment Complaints
Dealing with harassment complaints is somewhat difficult and needs to be taken seriously if you want to avoid lawsuits.
Here are some basic strategies if you receive a harassment complaint:
• Keep your mind open
Some employers experience denial when it comes to issues of harassment. Most of them cannot believe that harassment of any form may be happening in the workplace. They presume that it cannot be possibly true, resulting in their failure to investigate complaints. Failure to consider these complaints is a sure way to land in court. You should investigate whatever harassment complaints you receive and do not conclude until you have completed your investigation.
• Treat the complainer with compassion and respect
Be sympathetic when an employee comes to you with matters about harassment because it is difficult for them to complain about these kinds of issues, feeling scared and vulnerable, affecting their quality of work. Because of this, it may possibly lead them to ask some outside help from attorneys. You should be understanding and take the problem seriously. Any employee who feels that you are handling the complaint seriously is less likely to heighten the problem to court or a government agency.
• Do not criticize or blame the complainer
Remember that the complainer is the victim and not the reason of the problem. You may be enticed to blame him/her because of the fact that you must deal with the presence of harassment in the workplace but that does not change the reality that he/she is the victim. If you get mad at complainer, you are opening yourself up to illegal retaliation claims and also run the risk of damaging morale, polarizing your workplace, and lowering productivity.
• Do not retaliate or get revenge against the complainer
It is unlawful to punish an employee for complaining about harassment or discrimination.
Some of the most obvious forms of retaliation:
• Discipline
• Pay cuts
• Termination
• Demotion
• Threats to do any of these
Here are some of the more subtle forms of retaliation
• Changes in job responsibilities
• Changes in the shift hours
• Isolation by leaving him/her out of office functions and meetings
• Changes in the work area
• Follow recognized procedures
Follow the policies in the employee handbook or any other acknowledged policies, if you have one that is related to harassments. Do not bend the rules to open yourself up to claims of harassment or unfair treatment.
Attorneys for Harassment
These strategies may not always work because situations may differ. If you are an employer who is having trouble dealing with harassment complaints, you need the help of expert attorneys for harassment in the workplace to assist you in many aspects of legal matters.
To help you with
employment discrimination issues such as harassment, consult with our expert
Los Angeles employment attorneys. Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.
