 |
|
April
Recognizing Sexual Harassment
Just like driving: Green means go, yellow means caution and red means stop
It’s likely you’ve heard of sexual harassment. (Remember the media coverage about accusations against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger?) But what do you really know about it? “Although Congress has tried to define it, it’s really in how someone interprets verbal comments, e-mails or touching,” says human resources administrator Marty Everhart. “What one person considers acceptable may offend someone else.”
“This is why we have a zero tolerance policy,” says LVHHN attorney Glenn Guanowsky. “No one should feel uncomfortable at work.” If you are uncomfortable with someone’s behavior, make your feelings known to that person; avoidance can make it worse. If the behavior doesn’t change, report it to a manager you trust, a human resources consultant or ombudsman Maryann Bulishak. If you desire, the situation will be investigated, and you will be protected from retaliation, Guanowsky says.
“If you have been accused of sexual harassment, ask yourself: ‘Am I acting professionally and respectfully?’ Consider whether your conduct is something you would want your child exposed to,” Guanowsky says. “Recognize you may have offended someone, intentionally or unintentionally, apologize and change your behavior, using our PRIDE behaviors as your guide.”
Sexual Harassment Traffic Safety
Review these scenarios to learn when to keep going, when to proceed with caution and when to hit the brakes
Go: Not sexual harassment
|
Caution: Inappropriate and could be sexual harassment
|
Stop: Sexual harassment
|
Anne and John, colleagues for almost a year, eat lunch together in the cafeteria.
|
John asks Anne out for a drink, but she declines. Soon after, John sends Anne a work e-mail that reads: "I cried over you last night." Anne tells John she's not interested and to leave her alone.
|
John sends Anne a long e-mail which says, in part: "I have enjoyed you so much over this past year. Watching you. Experiencing you from far away." Anne is frightened and reports it to her supervisor.
|
Louis is new to a department and notices many of his male and female colleagues joke with each other.
|
Colleagues playfully tease each other about being married or single.
|
Often the joking escalates into flirtations and horseplay. They also trade stories about their sexual exploits. Louis is very upset and offended by his colleagues' sexual jokes. He communicates this to his supervisor.
|
Kara's supervisor, Ralph, often smiles at her when he passes her desk.
|
When Kara asks for a raise, Ralph says he will consider it. Later in the day, Ralph suggests they go for drinks and dinner. Kara declines and says she wants to keep their relationship purely professional. Ralph says he understands.
|
Ralph denies Kara's request for a raise. She asks for an explanation. He says if she would be more "cooperative" her chance for a raise would improve. Kara asks if the "cooperativeness" is sexual in nature. Ralph smiles and says, "You figure it out." Kara reports the incident to human resources.
|
Want to know more about sexual harassment? Review our sexual harassment policy. For a past CheckUp story on sexual harassment, call 610-402-CARE.
Need emotional support? Contact the Employee Assistance Program at 610-433-8550.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
|
|
|
It’s likely you’ve heard of sexual harassment.
