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Workplace harassment after the #MeToo movement

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2018 | Sexual Harassment At Work

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The #MeToo movement has made headlines in Florida and other states as many high-profile women have come forward with accounts of sexual harassment. According to a recent survey, employers believed that instances of sexual harassment have decreased while workers believed otherwise.

The survey asked 1,000 working adults whether or not their workplaces tolerated sexual harassment. Supervisors said they “strongly agree” that their workplaces do not tolerate harassment. However, less than half of workers surveyed said they agreed with the same statement.

Another survey found that most women did not believe that the #MeToo movement had changed anything at their workplaces. About 60 percent of those surveyed stated that their companies had not enacted any new policies since the movement made headlines.

Many employees report that they feel that sexual harassment at work is happening all the time. On the other hand, three out of four executives in one survey stated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their companies’ efforts to prevent it.

Many employees still feel afraid to come forward with reports of sexual harassment. Another common problem is that employees are not aware of their companies’ reporting policies.

An attorney may be able to provide legal assistance to workers who have experienced sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can include inappropriate jokes, lewd comments, unwanted sexual advances, displays of sexual material in the workplace and changes in employment based on a worker’s negative responses to inappropriate attention. If necessary, legal counsel could help a lawyer file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.