How to Deal With Sexual Harassment in The Workplace
What is Sexual Harassment?
It’s an unfortunate reality that despite how far the world has come in terms of protecting human rights, sexual harassment is still very prevalent in the workplace. In many industries and sectors, there are employees who are subjected to unwelcome and inappropriate advances and/or remarks made either by their colleagues or their superiors.
Sexual harassment can take many forms ranging from crude comments about your appearance and groping to outright assault. A majority of the victims are women, although men are liable to be targeted as well. Those who experience this type of harassment are at risk of developing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and poor physical health, symptoms of which can last for years.
What to Do If Harassment Occurs
If you or a colleague may be experiencing sexual harassment, follow these three steps:
- Document These Incidents
You are encouraged to gather as much evidence as possible, especially if you plan to file a complaint or if the matter is taken to court.
Do this by taking pictures of emails, phone messages, notes and other documents containing inappropriate, offensive and lewd material; additionally, it’s advisable to write down details regarding who was present during the incident(s), eg. yourself, the perpetrator, and perhaps a colleague who witnessed it, when it occurred and where.
Recording the incident using a phone camera or an audio app is also useful. However, this is incredibly risky and could potentially escalate the danger levels if the perpetrator is aware of it. Remember, your safety is a top priority.
- Tell Someone
Keeping quiet about being harassed will not only escalate the issue, but it will also irreparably damage your physical, mental and emotional health.
Speak to your manager or supervisor confidentially – if the perpetrator happens to be your manager or supervisor, then you must speak to the person who directly oversees them. Alternatively, you can speak to your workplace’s human resources department, personnel office, a trade union representative or your lawyer.
Talking directly to the perpetrator, being clear and specific about their behaviour, and asking them to stop is also one way to take action, although this also carries a major risk.
- Take the Legal Route
Approach your human resources department, your lawyer, a trade union or the labour court about filing an official complaint. They will help you guide on your steps to take the appropriate measures against the perpetrator.
Each country has its own laws and codes regarding sexual harassment, so familiarise yourself with these as much as possible. Employers and employees should also familiarise themselves with the company’s harassment policies so that it can be prevented in the future – such policies should be made available (and emphasised) in their contracts, training videos, employee handbooks, etc.
Taking Immediate Action
Should you or a colleague find yourself in this situation, it’s important to follow these steps closely to ensure the sexual harassment will cease. Taking immediate action in the face of harassment will ensure not only a comfortable, toxic-free working environment, but also ensure a sense of safety and security for you and your colleagues.