Every employee should be able to feel safe at their workplace. Of course, a sense of safety plays a crucial role in helping them feel comfortable and explore their full potential to lead a business in a better direction. Unfortunately, not every employee gets to experience this sense of security.
According to the Me Too Movement, 40% of women (and 16% of men) say they have been sexually harassed at work. If you are also facing a similar issue at your workplace, you do not have to stay quiet about it.
If you are ready to take a step, here are some of the most important steps to take when dealing with sexual harassment at work.
- Confront the Culprit
The first step of dealing with sexual harassment is often the hardest. Working against sexual harassment begins with raising your voice against the offense and telling the culprit how they are crossing a boundary with you.
Remember that you do not have to be nice or gentle while speaking out about such a serious concern. Be loud and clear to let them know that their behavior is not welcome. In addition, you can let them know about your plan to involve Human Resources (HR) in the matter.
Verbal confrontation can be your chance to draw a boundary and give the next person a chance to improve their actions.
- Speak to the Human Resource (HR)
Every company has a procedure in order to help employees facing sexual harassment let their concerns be known. You must look into this process and follow the necessary steps to file a complaint against your harasser.
Once you have completed the procedure and submitted your complaint, make sure that you also get in touch with your HR department. They can guide you in taking the next step.
Make sure that you keep a copy of the complaint with you and make notes about every step of your journey to finding justice.
- Document Every Step
Detailed documentation can go a long way in helping you find justice for an occurrence as traumatic as sexual harassment. From the day you first feel uncomfortable, make sure that you start journaling all experiences and facts.
Start by writing a thorough description of each incident with other important details such as the date, time, and location. Reliving these moments can be difficult, but you are also advised to write about what happened and how it made you uncomfortable.
If you have any evidence, such as texts, calls, or emails, that can strengthen your case and prove guilt, make sure that you document them. If you have any physical evidence, try your best to preserve it to build a strong case.
- Discuss with Your Manager
The complaints of sexual harassment can take time to be processed. In the meantime, you do not have to bite your tongue if the unwanted behavior continues from your harasser. It is best to talk to your manager or supervisor about the issue.
Unfortunately, the direct supervisors are the ones who harass their team members. If you are facing the same situation because of your supervisor, you can get in touch with the next person in the reporting line. If there is any evidence to support your grievance, make sure that you present it alongside your complaint.
- Cooperate with the HR Department
Filing your complaint is just a step in finding justice for being sexually harassed at work. It is just the beginning of your long and arduous journey. The next steps can make or break your position in a sexual harassment case.
Cooperating with the company’s HR management is important to resolve the matter. You must ensure to be available for meetings with them, answer all their questions, and present evidence if needed. Keep an open mind when listening to their offers for arbitration and settlement.
- Approach the EEOC
While several companies around the world try to help their employees find justice for traumatic events such as sexual harassment, their best offer may not seem suitable to you. However, that does not mean that you must settle for the lowball offers. You can look for other options to find justice for your loss.
If the harassment continues or you are not fairly compensated for your loss, remember that you have the right to get in touch with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They can address and further investigate your complaint.
While asking EEOC for help can do wonders, there is still a chance that they may request your employer to mediate and settle the dispute. It is probably in your best interest to hire an attorney at this point.
- Hire a Sexual Harassment Attorney
Dealing with pressure and the intricacies of laws relating to sexual harassment can be a challenge on its own. In such overwhelming circumstances, it is crucial for you to hire sexual harassment Lawyers Las Vegas to discover your options.
Sexual harassment lawyers are the experts you can rely on. They can evaluate your case with an empathetic eye and point out its strengths. From there on, you can also guide you regarding the best course of action for your case.
The best part is that you can let your sexual harassment attorney represent you during negotiations with your employer. Their excellent negotiation skills can help you even further if your case goes to trial. Throughout this challenging process, you can rely on these lawyers to ensure that your rights are protected.
- Stay Informed
Once you have filed a complaint and hired an attorney, do not lose sight of your final goal. Pursue your case actively to find the rightful justice for your distress and discomfort. Your efforts pave a path for several other women to feel safe at their workplace.
Stay informed about the proceedings and investigation by your employer and the HR department. In addition, you can also request your attorney to keep you informed at every step of the way regarding the status of your complaint.
