Despite the growing number of people who speak up when they are being sexually harassed, it is still a problem in Florida and across the nation. Simply drawing attention to the challenges workers face when confronted with sexual harassment is insufficient to make lasting changes. Often, workers are unaware of what steps they can take to stop the behavior and even seek compensation. There are strategies to address sexual harassment and it is important to understand them.
Increasingly, companies with employees accused of sexual harassment are penalizing the harassers rather than the victims. In the past, this was not the case. Still, those dealing with lewd comments, unwanted sexual advances, wrongful termination and more are reluctant to speak out for fear it will harm their own situation. Employers have been woefully lacking in cogent strategies to properly stop sexual harassment and dispense punishments. As the problem becomes clearer, so too are methods to address it.
Companies had previously been so bold as to dismiss the complaining employee. Fear of litigation and the ease with which such dismissals could occur were contributing factors. There are, however, ways for employers and employees to work together to handle sexual harassment. For employees, documenting the incidents, reporting it to human resources, understanding the federal laws, and contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for information can be effective. Employers can provide training for all employees as to what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
Even with the improved environment for worker protections, sexual harassment happens in industries across the spectrum. When employers do not intervene and penalize offenders, a legal filing might be the only alternative. Calling for advice from a firm that specializes in Boca Raton, Florida sexual harassment legal assistance might be able to help a client understand their legal rights and options.
