13 Tips To Prevent Sexual Harassment Claims |
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Presidential contender Herman Cain's reputation has been permanently soiled by the sexual harassment charges leveled against him. Whether or not he did it, there will always be a question in people's minds. With two settlements in his past, it's hard to side step the "where there's smoke there's fire" issue. Being accused of sexual harassment never goes away. While anyone can be falsely accused, every individual and organization should take proactive steps to ensure that claims aren't made against you or your company.
Here are 13 tips to help protect you:
- Don't do it.
- Treat everyone respectfully.
- Be careful when mixing business and socialization-particularly when alcohol is involved.
- Drop using those so called endearing terms such as "dear" and sweetheart."
- Keep your hands off others and your body in your own orbit.
- Look people in the eyes - just the eyes.
- Don't feel the need to share those funny, but a bit "off-color" jokes or stories.
- Don't even think about asking out a subordinate for an after work drink or dinner.
- If you've got a problem in the love department, don't feel the need to share it; and speaking of sharing, no one wants to hear about your dreams.
- If you need to hug, think spouse.
- Clean up your language, particularly your adjectives.
- No texting or emailing anything that is not work related and as for sexting, are you out of your mind even thinking about it?
- While at work, work!
Final tip: before you do anything, ask yourself "would I do this in front my mother?" Hopefully, that will keep you out of trouble and keep your reputation intact.
Read more about how you can prevent sexual harassment.
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Impact of Post Harassment Syndrome |
Victims of sexual harassment often suffer tremendous emotional and psychological pain even after a "claim" has been settled from a "legal standpoint." The victim is often ostracized from employees and friends. People sometimes can sympathize and side with the accused, often believing that somehow the victim brought this upon herself. The victim can have tremendous feelings of guilt because she, too, may feel that somehow she did something to bring this on. In addition, she may feel that she only complained to get the accused to stop, but her intent was not "to get anyone in trouble." And finally, there is the uncomfortable feeling every time she sees the accused at work. How can she continue to work in the same company or department with the person who harassed her? Victims of "Post Harassment Syndrome" can easily turn from a good employee to a marginal employee. Tardiness and absenteeism will often occur. The victim's productivity drops and he/she may be prone to accidents. A general feeling of depression can result. Click here to understand what can you do to address this issue? |
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NEED HELP? |
If you'd like help with your sexual harassment prevention program, whether its with a specific situation, developing a comprehensive program, or conducting harassment training, simply call me at 207-967-0837 or emailing me at rick@dacri.com.
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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS |
 | | Mainebiz Momentum Conference |
I recently spoke before the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce on the topic of Important HR Issues Impacting Business Owners.
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