Companies of all sizes realize the importance of a safe and friendly work environment. Most understand that one instance of sexual harassment can cause quite a bit of trouble.
Even with this in mind, not every company has an employee handbook. Furthermore, some create a handbook but neglect to include any information on how to report sexual harassment.
As an employer, it is important to make it known that the company does not stand for any type of harassment. Along with this, it is good for employees to know their rights and options.
It would be in the best interest of the company and its workers if the employee handbook includes a provision on how to report sexual harassment. This ensures that there is no gray area and that every worker knows what he or she should do if they are put in this position.
The purpose of this language is to give employees a clear understanding of what they can do if they are a victim of harassment. This makes it easy for them to get the help they need to hopefully stop the problem once and for all.
If a company does not have an employee handbook or neglects to include any language about reporting sexual harassment, it can put a victim in a bad spot. Anybody who is sexually harassed at his or her place of employment should feel free to report this without any fear of retaliation by the company or the harasser. From an employer and employee perspective, a handbook with details on reporting sexual harassment is critical.
Source: FindLaw, “Sample Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policies,” accessed Aug. 17, 2015
