In a previous post, I discussed some common misconceptions with illegal workplace behavior. With all the misconceptions that some behavior is illegal and with all the sexual harassment training that is provided, it should be easy to figure out that the following behavior is illegal:
- Exposing your genitals to female employees and forcing one to touch your private parts.
- Requiring women to participate in a “kissing” or “smooching” club to receive the sales leads and accounts necessary to earn commissions
- Firing women who reject managers’ sexual advances and complain about them
In a recent EEOC case against a Memphis company with a verdict of $1.5 million, a jury found that two male managers had subjected female employees to severe sexual harassment. Two of the three women involved in the case where then fired after making complaints.
Where was HR in this case? Or more importantly, if this was going on in your organization would you know? What would you do?
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Sheri Mazurek is a training and human resource professional with over 16 years of management experience, and is skilled in all areas of employee management and human resource functions, with a specialty in learning and development. She is available to help you with your Human Resources and Training needs on a contract basis. For more information send an email to smazurek0615@gmail.com or visit www.sherimazurek.com. Follow me on twitter @Sherimaz.
Sheri, I understand the scenario and the point you make regarding HR absenteeism in time of need. Although I have never personally experienced such blatant disrespect for co-workers, or witnessed flagrant violation of work place rights, I did notice a significant bias in your story.
Being a ‘victim’ of sexual harassment myself (outside work), I remain sensitive to these situations. I notice you cast the men of the work place in the dark shadow, as being the perpetrator of the violation.
I just want to make the argument that sexual harassment is not only perpetrated by men….or limited to opposite sex targets.
I feel that if we continue to focus on male violators, the times where men are victims will receive less attention or taken less seriously.
Thanks for the article.
Thanks for you comment.
You are absolutely correct that women are also guilty of sexual harassment. In fact, cases against women are on the rise according to the EEOC.
Please see the included link about this case. The facts I present are based on a recent verdict in an actual case brought by the EEOC. I did not create these facts and certainly not with an intent of focusing on one gender.
My point is simply that this actually happened and I would hope HR knows how to handle and prevent this in their own workplaces.
Thanks for reading and commenting.