When people hear reports about sexual harassment occurring in a professional environment, their first thoughts often turn to what the employer could have done to better protect their workers. While companies in Florida uphold a significant responsibility to implement protocols designed to discourage harassment and provide protection to at-risk groups of individuals, there are also preventative steps that employees can take to support their own safety in the workplace.
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the consequences of sexual harassment are many. Harassed employees may find that their mistreatment is resulting in difficulties focusing on their work, anxiety about going to work and even fears of harassment translating into a hostile situation. Harassment can be perpetrated by either males or females and is any type of unsolicited conduct that creates a situation where another person or group of people feel uncomfortable.
Hrlibrary.umn.edu suggests several ways that employees can take their own protection under control including the following:
- They can pay attention to how others react to what they are saying to recognize when their own behavior may be offensive.
- They should understand their company’s stance on sexual harassment and be aware of reporting policies.
- They should be forthright in telling other people when their behavior is offensive and if no changes are made, they should take their concerns to a superior.
If an employee is feeling uneasy about a situation and has begun the process of reporting their concerns, they should keep detailed records of what is happening. These records may be necessary if charges are pursued against the offending individual in the future.