The inappropriate treatment of workers has become a more prevalent issue as people become more comfortable with speaking about what they experienced. Thanks to various social movements, there has been more awareness surrounding issues like sexual harassment in the workplace. Florida workers may find it helpful to learn more about what behaviors count as harassment and what they can do to protect their rights and interests.
Development of hostile work environment in the Army Reserve
Florida employees who experience sexual harassment and other types of mistreatment in the workplace have the right to file complaints and take action. Employers have the responsibility to take complaints seriously and follow the appropriate procedures to handle these matters promptly. There is evidence to suggest this does not always happen in the Army Reserve, which has led to the development of a hostile work environment in some units.
Workplace bullies can create a hostile workplace, even online
Every employee in Florida has the right to workplace free from inappropriate behavior and harassment of any kind, whether in person or online. Unfortunately, bullies in the workplace are still prevalent, and they do things that ultimately lead to the creation of a hostile workplace. Victims of bullies at work may experience things like aggressive comments, threats, discrimination inappropriate contact and even sexual harassment. This commonly happens in online settings.
Women in charge may still face sexual harassment
Women can face unique challenges in the workplace, including unwanted advances and intimidation from male co-workers. Sexual harassment is not an issue unique to a specific group as even females in leadership and positions of power are susceptible to this type of unacceptable treatment. Research into the issue suggests that behind sexual harassment is often a desire to humiliate and intimidate, and women in charge are not immune to it.
Employers can do more to fight sexual harassment
The #MeToo movement has thrown a spotlight on workplace sexual harassment, an all-too-common experience for many women on the job in Florida. The news stories about high-profile celebrities, politicians and others involved in harassing their co-workers, assistants and fellow stars have drawn attention to the ongoing struggles faced by women in jobs of all kinds. The national discussion has also led many organizations and companies to look for solutions to the problem, as sexual harassment training programs have been shown to be somewhat ineffective.
How to handle workplace bullying
Ideally, those who are harassed at work will be able to tell their employer about it. However, there are considerations that Florida workers and others will want to mull over when deciding how to handle their situation. First, it will be important to consider whether the harassment is severe enough that it warrants reporting to a supervisor. If so, it is critical to note that bullying is not necessary against the law.
Some workers are not protected against sexual harassment
Some people in Florida may assume that all employees throughout the country are protected against sexual harassment by federal law, but this is not the case. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act only applies to employers who have at least 15 employees.
Alleged employee crimes could create hostile work environment
Florida should tread carefully when made aware of criminal accusations against an employee, especially when it involves co-workers. Taking a side could inflict a hostile work environment on one or more employees. A federal appeals court has sent a case illustrating this situation back to the trial court that originally heard the matter.
Appellate ruling helps to clarify harassment claims
Boca Raton workers who have faced discrimination or harassment may want to take heed of a court ruling that clarifies the meaning of the standard used to judge a hostile work environment. The lawsuit was initially dismissed by a lower court. An appeals court reviewed the case and reinstated the plaintiff's original charges. At issue was whether an isolated incident could meet the Supreme Court's "severe and pervasive" standard.
Experiencing hostility at a Florida workplace
The law protects employees from being treated differently because of their color, race, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, religious affiliation or because of a disability. Therefore, no employer should tolerate anyone at the workplace who severely harasses another employee for these reasons. If you believe you are subjected to a hostile environment at your Florida workplace and your boss has done nothing to stop it, you may be able to hold your employer accountable.
