Workplace Harassment: Know What to Do

One of the problems in our society today is workplace harassment. Studies show that it is unfortunately very common. Harassment in the workplace is an issue that is not discussed as much because it is such a subtle problem. Most people don’t even recognize that they have a problem. Workplace relationships management training will help you recognize the signs and develop an understanding of what exactly is acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the workplace.

A good manager will take the time to understand exactly what is acceptable and unacceptable in the workplace. They will also make sure that there are no policies or procedures that are being abused or not followed. The company culture significance of harassment in the workplace can be determined by a simple survey. Ask employees “Do you believe that harassment in the workplace is acceptable?” and you will quickly find out that nearly all of them will say yes or they at least have an opinion on this.

Harassment in the workplace affects all employees. It doesn’t matter who you are, or how much you are paid. It can happen to anyone. The company culture significance of harassment begins with how employees feel about themselves and how they view the company.

In the past, employees were harassed for sexual reasons. Today it is often because of the types of dress that they choose to wear. For example, one of the top companies in the U.S.A would not tolerate women wearing revealing clothing like low cut shirts, miniskirts, etc. This kind of dress creates an environment where harassment is easy to occur. Employees who dress in a way that is provocative and revealing increase the odds of having their harassment occur.

Another form of harassment occurs due to what an employee believes is appropriate professional conduct. Everyone at a company should be allowed to do his or her job to the best of their ability. However, this does not mean that an employee should go above and beyond the call of duty just to make a point. There is a line of professional and acceptable behavior that every employee must know and follow. If they do not, then they may find themselves out of a job.

The company culture plays an important role in allowing harassment to occur. Most businesses can see that their culture has flaws. They know they have a problem when they observe employees giving improper remarks during meetings or acting unprofessionally in front of customers. They also know when their company’s values are being violated, whether it is in the workplace or on the road. The bottom line is that your company needs to have a positive and healthy culture if it is to avoid being subjected to harassment.

If your company can see its problems with harassment in the workplace, then it is time to take steps to change it. First of all, make sure that everyone in management knows that this type of behavior is not acceptable in the workplace. It is not okay to joke about other people’s appearances; it is not okay to make sexual remarks or other types of comments that could be taken seriously, even if you are only joking. This type of conduct is not okay and will lose you the support of your employees. Secondly, as a leader, set a good example for your employees to follow and make sure that you are a positive presence in the workplace.

Do not allow harassment to happen in your workplace. You may think that you are doing everything you can to stop it, but harassment occurs even when someone thinks they are doing the right thing. If you do not want to lose the respect of your employees or the respect of your customers, make sure that you stand firm against harassment. It will make you and your company a much better company to be around!