Sexual harassment in the workplace has been going on for decades. Though there are numerous state and federal laws in addition to employer policies to prevent it, the unlawful behavior still prevails in many Milwaukee job environments. Now that celebrities and Hollywood have made it a hot topic, everyone is up in arms trying to figure out how to fight it.
Every employee has the right to work in a safe, healthy and harassment-free environment. Here are a few suggestions to help workers fight sexual harassment on the job:
Do not turn a blind eye
Many sexual harassment incidents go unreported. The most common reason is workers are afraid of retaliation from their employers. Federal law makes it illegal for employers to take retaliatory actions against workers who report harmful and unlawful activities that occur at their jobs.
Understand that they do not need to be the victim
Many employees do not realize that they have an obligation and right to report any offensive or bullying behaviors and activities they notice their coworkers experience or perform. Anyone who is offended by behaviors and actions that illegally and sexually objectify others or themselves can lodge a formal complaint about the incidents.
Keep alleged harassers from working with victims
Workers who do not get along or seem to make the work environment a toxic one should also ask their employers for accommodations to their schedules and work duties, so they can avoid being around coworkers who ignore disciplinary actions meant to put an end to the mistreatment.
It is important for all incidents of sexual harassment and other unlawful employer activities to be reported. Reporting is the first step in holding employers and all wrongdoers accountable. Sexual harassment is not something anyone should have to deal with, especially from his or her coworkers, supervisors or bosses. With the right policies, prevention measures and cooperation from every worker and supervisor, it is possible for everyone to work in a harassment- and toxic-free work environment.