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Workplace Harassment And Prevention

On Behalf of | Oct 28, 2017 | Harassment

The workplace should be placed where you feel welcomed and accepted. Employers should create a culture or environment that encourages your skills and talent to stay. Likewise, you should treat and respect your team showing them that you trust their aptness to do a great job. But what happens when you experience workplace harassment? The work environment should be free from harassment of all kinds. Employers who don’t prevent harassment based on protected characteristics such as race/color, national origin, gender, age, and religion, can sometimes be sued. If you are experiencing signs of harassment at work, ask a California workplace harassment lawyer if your circumstances can be considered a workplace harassment case.

Unlawful Harassment

Harassment of any kind is wrong. Whether verbal or physical, any hostile conduct towards a person because of their background is wrong. Unlawful harassment is characterized by:

  • An intimidating or hostile work environment.
  • It interferes with the employee’s work performance.
  • It affects opportunities for advancement and future employment opportunities.

If you are in a situation where you are trying to determine if some conduct in the workplace is harassing behavior, the best way to decide this is by thinking what a reasonable person would think of this particular conduct. If they think the behavior is discriminating or harassing, it probably is. This is the perspective of an individual of the same background as the harassment victim.

Improving Workplace Culture

Employers should create a culture that encourages their employees to grow and to stay working for them. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. More than 3.2 Americans quit their jobs every month, which means many employees are not happy. Employers should trust their employees and create a culture where they feel safe and happy. Respect is paramount in making any business succeed.

How To Protect Yourself From Workplace Harassment

If you have been harassed in the workplace, you have the right to hire a California workplace harassment attorney to represent you and protect your rights. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you can file a complaint with HR or if the harassment is severe, take the necessary steps to sue your employer.

It is important you document every instance of harassing conduct. Write down the date, location, and any other relevant details. The more specific you are, the better. Details such as events, conversations, emails, texts, or any other important evidence can help your attorney demonstrate the harassment taking place.

You should remove yourself from a harassing situation immediately. Tell the harasser that you refuse to participate and will not tolerate such unprofessional behavior. If your co-workers are harassed by the same person, document their experiences as well. Speak with your supervisor or manager. If they don’t take the necessary steps to correct the situation, you may need to seek formal legal representation. Be prepared to walk away. It may difficult to continue working for this company as it may have a negative impact on your career.

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