Signs of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and Tips for Dealing with It

Are you being or think you are being sexual harassed at your place of work? Here are a few signs to look for and a few tips on what to do in the event of sexual harassment at your job. First we will deal with co-worker sexual harassment. Most of the time when it is a co-worker they will talk in a "flirty" tone, they will constantly come over to your desk to talk to you, they will sometimes look over your shoulder to see your work while putting one hand on the back of your chair and the other on your desk, they will stare at you almost constantly, and they may even make sexual advances toward you (or even talk about sexual things). They will want to be close to you a lot, and they will constantly find a way to touch your shoulder, arm, back et cetera.

In dealing with a co-workers sexual harassment, the first thing is to talk to the person. Do this with extreme caution since this can backfire on you, and is usually word against word if it has to go to higher authorities. Just address them by saying you just do not like them touching you or staring at you or coming over to your desk. Let them know you do not mind them talking to you as long as they keep their distance. Let them know everything you do not like, but throw in a few things you do like or can tolerate; this will usually keep this from backfiring on you and getting you in trouble.

If they continue to bother you, tell another co-worker whom you trust and have them go to the supervisor with you. Explain the entire situation to the supervisor making sure to tell them every (even if it does not seem important) little thing that has been happening. Tell them you have already talked to the person, but they continue to bother you. If the supervisor seems hesitant about believing you, do not get angry or upset. Simply tell them you would like for them to keep an eye on the person for a few days and see if they can spot anything that is not appropriate for the workplace. If they still fail to believe you or will not do anything, it is time for another job. And yes, report them when you leave. You can report them to the Better Business Bureau, any organization they may be members of, even the board of directors if there is one. If you deem it necessary consult an attorney about it.

Now we will discuss the supervisor doing the harassing. A lot of the signs will be the same except there may be others to go along with them. Some managers may ask you to stay late. If they do, make sure there are going to be other people there also. If it is going to be just the two of you, do not do it even if it means losing your job. The boss may ask you into his/her office to talk with you. If this is the case, make certain that there is another person present when you are in there. Never go into a boss' office alone.

Another sign may be that of wanting to take you to lunch alone. It is fine if others are going with you, but never go alone with the boss. And beyond that, never even get into a vehicle alone with them; and that is even if you completely trust them. You may trust them at the office; but remember, there are a lot of other people around you. In a vehicle you are completely alone with him/her.

Dealing with a supervisor's sexual harassment is harder since you have to go over the boss' head. But if it must be done, do it. We are talking about something that is completely illegal. Again, you want to tell someone. This time you want it to be someone outside the office. If you are married, tell your spouse (honesty is always the best policy in any marriage). Your spouse may have an idea to help you. Talk it over with him/her and decide if the best bet is for you to quit and find a new job. I know that is hard right now, but your mental and physical health is much more important than the money.

If you must, go to higher authorities. If you have to, go to the board of directors. If there is no board, you may have to go to the owner or another manager. If the boss is also the owner, leaving the job may be your only or best choice. It may even be necessary to call in law enforcement into the situation if it is a bad case (or worse case scenario). If you must, get an attorney to help you.

One thing to remember is that you are a human being and deserve respect wherever you are. One thing I would like to point out though is to watch the way you dress when going to work. Women, do not wear low cut dresses/blouses and mini-skirts and high hills; make sure what you wear does not give people the wrong idea about you. Men, make sure you do not wear extremely tight pants and shirts. Dress modestly so as not to let people think you are "wanting it".

Therefore, sexual harassment is illegal and against all moral laws also. Do not let it happen to you. And remember, if dealing with it does not help then get out of the situation entirely.

Source:

Recently having a friend who dealt with sexual harassment for two years before putting an end to it by quitting her job