Sexual harassment at work is a serious problem. It includes unwanted sexual behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, threatened, or embarrassed. When you are being sexually harassed at work it doesn’t just make you uncomfortable. It can turn the workplace hostile and becomes a much bigger problem for you.
A hostile work environment occurs when there is sexual behavior that makes the workplace feel intimidating, hostile, or offensive. This could be inappropriate jokes, comments, pictures, or constant requests for dates even after saying no. In this article, we will go over several tips to take if you are facing discrimination and sexual harassment at work.
1 – Document everything
When you face sexual harassment at work, it is a good idea to keep detailed records of every incident. Write down the date, time, and place where each incident occurred, describe exactly what happened, and list any people who might have seen it happen.
These details can be very important later on if you decide to report the harassment. Keeping emails, text messages, and any other communications that could help show what happened will serve as evidence if you need to prove the harassment occurred.
It’s also a good idea to have an employment lawyer, like those at this firm in Riverside, CA, review your records. A lawyer can provide advice on how strong your case is and what additional information might be needed. They can help you understand your legal options and the best steps to take next.
2 – Seek support
Dealing with sexual harassment at work can be very stressful. It’s important to find support during this tough time. Start by talking to someone at work you trust, like a colleague or a supportive boss. They can offer comfort, help you feel less alone, and might give you advice based on their own experiences.
Getting support is not just good for your mental health. It can also strengthen your case if you decide to report the harassment. Supportive colleagues and counselors can back up your story and offer more insight into harassment and workplace culture. It’s important that you feel that you’re not alone, and there are people and resources to support you.
Gamers Need to Talk About Activision-Blizzard’s Class Action Lawsuit(Opens in a new browser tab)
3 – Protect yourself from retaliation
After reporting sexual harassment, you might face retaliation from your employer or coworkers. Retaliation can come in the form of being given worse job assignments, getting unfairly disciplined, being excluded from meetings, or even losing your job. It is illegal for employers to punish you for complaining about sexual harassment.
To protect yourself, keep detailed records of any changes to your job that happen after you report the harassment. Write down what changed, who was involved, and when it happened. This information can be very helpful if you need to prove that you were retaliated against.
If you think you are being retaliated against, report it right away. You can talk to the person in your company who handles harassment complaints, usually someone in human resources.
Discussion about this post