Workplace Harassment

Workplace HarassmentAlabama ABC Board

Press the Enter key to begin!1Workplace HarassmentAlabama ABC Board

2Most of us are familiar with sexual harassment in the workplace. But, when it comes to harassment and discrimination, the fact is that its not just about sex anymore. Over the years, the courts and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have expanded what it means to harass or discriminate against someone in the workplace.

In this session we will talk about what we need to do as an organization and as individuals to help maintain a positive, productive working environment, as well as minimize the chance that well end up facing a costly lawsuit.Comedy Isnt Always Funny!

3We all like a good laugh. However, some comedy isnt funny! Especially comedy in the work place as practical jokes and horseplay. In fact, this kind of comedy could result in anothers physical injury or could be considered harassment. This could lead to disciplinary steps and possible loss of your employment. Its just best to not engage in such in the work place.What you should do!Dont encourage it!Dont engage in it!Put a stop to it immediately!

Horse play

When it comes to horseplay on the job its simple: (read verbatim)Workplace HarassmentNot always a matter of sex!

Everyone has a right to work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. This includes any harassment, whether of a sexual nature or not, based on race, color of ones skin, national origin, religion or gender. In fact, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and amended in 1978 prohibits any discrimination in the workplace based on these 5 protected classes and on a womans pregnancy. As an individual, you and the agency, could be held liable if you engage in such harassment or discrimination against a co-worker or another person. If you are the victim of such behavior, there are certain steps you should take that we will discuss in this session.Hostile Work EnvironmentA hostile work environment exists when an employee experiences workplace harassment and fears going to work because of the offensive, intimidating, or oppressive atmosphere generated by the harasser based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or, in some jurisdictions, sexual orientation, political affiliation, citizenship status, marital status, or personal appearance.

Read verbatim.HarassmentHarassment includes unwelcome, hostile, or offensive conduct. It includes sexual harassment. All workplace harassment is a form of discrimination that is explicitly prohibited by ABC Board Policy and law.

Read verbatim.DefinitionHarassment is severe or pervasive verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or slanders, or shows hostility or aversion (intense dislike) toward an individual.Pervasive behavior is repeated, widespread, and/or common that alters working conditions and creates an abusive workplace environment.Behavior may be considered severe when it would be objectionable to a reasonable person within the same circumstances.

Read verbatim.

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to the following:The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.The harasser can be the victims supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee.

Read verbatim.

The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.Unlawful sexual harassment may occur without economic injury to or discharge of the victim.The harassers conduct must be unwelcome.

Only unwelcome conduct can be sexual harassment. Consensual dating, joking, and touching, for example, are not harassment if they are welcomed by the persons involved.Conduct is unwelcome if the recipient did not initiate it and regards it as offensive.

What harassment is not!

Petty slightsMinor annoyancesSimple lack of good mannersBadmouthing employee outside of job context

Even though it may at times be offensive harassment is not: (read verbatim)The employee should take action!Any employee who feels that he or she has been unlawfully harassed should take action to see that the harassment stops by:Telling the other person to stop the offensive behavior.Informing a supervisor, or someone in the chain of command, that the behavior is offensive.Contacting the agency personnel manager.

Read verbatim.

ABC-4-3-.04(a) Any employee who believes that he/she has been/is being subjected to sexual harassment, or any other employee who is aware of sexual harassment, must report the allegation as soon as possible to his/her immediate supervisor, other supervisor in his/her chain of supervision, the Personnel Manager, or the Administrator, preferably in writing (see Chapter ABC-4-13, Employee Complaint Procedures). A female in the Personnel Division is available to receive complaints if the employee would feel uncomfortable discussing the specifics of the complaint with a male.

13ABC-4-3-.04(b) The personnel Manager shall be notified of any complaint of sexual harassment. Upon such notification, he/she shall conduct an investigation and submit a report to the Administrator, recommending appropriate action.(c) All complaints will be treated seriously and will be investigated promptly. At the option of the complainant, and in the interest of privacy for all parties, confidentiality will be maintained, consistent with the need to investigate.

Remember!Respect any indication that conduct or attention is not welcome.Participation in or acquiescence to objectionable behavior does not mean the behavior is welcome.Avoid any behavior that may be interpreted as possible harassment. Some examples are:Verbal: unwelcome comments, yelling, telephone calls, offensive jokes or stories;Visual: offensive pictures, cartoons, posters, calendars, magazines, or objects;

Read verbatim.

Physical: unwelcome touching, hugging, kissing, stroking, ogling, or suggestive gestures;Written: unwelcome letters, notes, or emails of a personal nature.If you are a supervisor, ensure that there is no retaliation for those reporting harassment.Violations of ABC Board harassment policies may include disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Youll not go wrong when you always Respect!To get it, you must give it!

Youll never go wrong when in the workplace your behavior is always professional and appropriate and you always treat others with respect. The saying is true, in order to get respect you must give it!17Inappropriate Behavior in the WorkplaceSome types of behavior are always inappropriate when in the workplace.

Its important to remember that free speech rights dont apply in the workplace. We have the right to believe whatever we want, but we do not have the right to express anything we want in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated that all employees have a right to work in an environment free from any type of discrimination and harassment. There are several types of behavior that are always inappropriate when in the workplace. Lets look at some of those.18Inappropriate Know that jokes about someone's gender, race, cultural background, religion or other personal characteristics are very inappropriate. Remember that touching someone else's body or making comments that are sexual in any way are always inappropriate behaviors.

Inappropriate Understand that dating among co-workers is usually inappropriate. Discrimination based on age, gender, disability, national origin, race and religion is always inappropriate in the workplace.

Inappropriate Again, you are free to believe what you wish, but realize that pushing religion or political views in the workplace is inappropriate. Sometimes people just don't take inappropriate workplace behavior seriously, and the only way to get them to stop is to report them to a supervisor.

Harassment and discrimination in the workplace is a very serious issue with serious possible consequences whether you are the victim or the harasser.If you, or if you know somebody else who is a victim of discrimination or harassment, speak up! Report it!Not just because its the law, but also because it is the right thing to do!

22Q & APress the Escape key to end this presentation!