The #MeToo movement and the subsequent implosion of the careers of major figures in the world of media, entertainment, and politics has made addressing sexual harassment in the workplace a heated topic. If your company or fellow employees are struggling to find the best ways to address this issue, the following are helpful ways to properly respond.
Reference #MeToo
Think about #MeToo and its meaning when issues arise. If someone’s behavior is beginning to cross the line, a #MeToo reference should alert and stop a potential harasser in their tracks.
Speak with Other Colleagues
Odds are if a co-worker is bothering you, it is not the first time. Ask other colleagues if this person has ever harassed them or made them feel uncomfortable. If the answer is yes, see if all of those who have felt violated by this individual will report the situation to human resources as a group. There is strength in numbers, rather than a single he said/she said episode.
Do Not Respond
Sometimes the best response is no response. If someone has made an inappropriate remark or gesture, look them straight in the eye and say nothing.
Use Humor
Not everyone feels comfortable using humor to calm a situation. Still, the right rejoinder makes the point in an amusing but unmistakable way.
Respect Other People’s Limits
Not every touch is sexual harassment. Some people do not even like the idea of shaking hands. Are you doing something inadvertently physical that puts people off, even if it is not sexual harassment in any form? Respect the personal space of other people, and do not stand too close or get in their face. If a co-worker appears to have issues with respecting other people’s space limits, inform them politely that they are too close. Certain cultures are more or less restrictive when it comes to personal space, and that is an issue best addressed via education by human resources or similar departments.
Set Boundaries
Setting a professional tone in the workplace is crucial, and that means setting and maintaining boundaries. This is especially true for initial meetings with new employees or board members. When meeting business clients outside of the office, always make sure the venue is appropriate. If you are not familiar with the restaurant suggested by a client, check it out beforehand online. If it looks like the kind of place where people meet for romantic assignations rather than business lunches, try to find a more suitable locale.
Bucks County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Help Victims of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, you need the services of the experienced Bucks County sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. To schedule your free initial consultation today, call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online. We are centrally located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we proudly serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
