Sexual Harassment webinar 11-21-2011
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Transcript of Sexual Harassment webinar 11-21-2011
HOW TO AVOID SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION CLAIMSA webinar presented for LSCP members
By Deb LaMere, HR Consulting
At the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
1. Explain what sexual harassment is
2. State why it is important to prevent sexual harassment in your workplace
3. Understand what retaliation is and help prevent retaliation claims by employees who complain of sexual harassment
4. Implement or create your policy and procedures on sexual harassment
5. Understand your responsibilities for handling complaints, assisting in investigations and disciplinary action.
WHAT DO WE EXPECT WHEN WE REPORT TO WORK
To be treated with respect For others to be courteous To be able to get our work done To be appreciated To be resourceful Not to feel threatened or intimidated
LAWS
Civil Rights Act Title VII ADEA ADA Michigan CRA – or ELCRA Etc.
WHAT EXACTLY IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT?
Unwelcome sexual advances
Requests for sexual favors
Other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individuals’ employment, unreasonably interferes with his/her work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment
TWO FORMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Quid pro quo (Latin for “this for that” or “something for something”)
Hostile Work Environment
QUID PRO QUO
Tangible employment action against the victim
Involves monetary loss or change in job
Example: Mary Smith receives smaller pay increase based on performance than other employees with similar performance because she refused to go out with her supervisor, John Doe.
HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Speech or conduct that is severe and/or pervasive enough to create an abusive or hostile work environment
Example: Mike Maloney is leering (elevator eyes) at and intentionally brushing against Sally Davis
Repeated actions, comments, or objects that “unreasonably interfere” with work performance or that create a “hostile, intimidating or offensive” work environment.
HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT (CONT.)
In addition to speech and/or conduct, covers explicit or suggestive items displayed in the workplace that interfere with job performance or that create an abusive or hostile work environment Example: Jill Jones has a 9” x 12” calendar of
nude males on her cubicle wall visible to passersby.
WHO CAN BE INVOLVED IN SEXUAL HARASSMENT?
Those who commit – employees at all levels, customers, members of the same sex
Those who are targeted – victims, bystanders and, in some cases, witnesses who are affected by the harassment.
HOW TO PREVENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Make sure you have a policy in place. Procedures to follow. Who to report cases to. How do you treat confidentiality?
WHAT IS RETALIATION
Retaliation is defined as an adverse action taken against an employee because he/she complained of harassment or discrimination
• Adverse action includes demotion, discipline, termination, salary reduction, negative performance appraisal, change in job duties or shift assignment
• Any other term or condition of employment
EXAMPLES OF RETALIATION:
Negative performance evaluations Discipline Threats of losing pay, benefits, job Job transfers or changes in work assignments Improper investigations Denial of opportunities for advancement Denial of vacation
RETALIATION CLAIMS
36.3% in FY 2010 for all statutes 31 % for Title VII only Largest complaint area
http://www1.eeoc.gov/eeoc/statistics/enforcement/charges.cfm
WHY THE INCREASE IN CLAIMS?
Greater public accessibility to the EEOC Employees are knowing their rights Economic conditions Demographic shifts in labor force
TO SUCCEED IN A RETALIATION CLAIM, AND EMPLOYEE MUST PROVE THE FOLLOWING:
That he/she engaged in a protected activity, such as complaining of sexual harassment
That he/she suffered an adverse employment action, such as demotion, termination
That the protected activity and adverse action are linked.
YOU CAN AVOID CHARGES OF RETALIATION
Train your supervisors.
Document the reason for any adverse employment against an employee. Make sure that the documentation shows no discriminatory reason for the adverse action.
Do NOT take any action against an employee who has complained of sexual harassment without discussing with and obtaining approval from human resources/senior management.
Implement and follow a zero-tolerance anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation policy.
Recognize employee-protected activity. Timing is important.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY:
Know and comply with our policy and procedures
Immediately report any complaint that you receive from your employees or incidents that you witness involving other supervisors’ employees to human resources/manager
HOW TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS:
Demonstrate your willingness to hear and objectively discuss complaints
Inform the employee that you must report all complains to human resources/upper management.
Tell the employee that confidentiality will be respected as much as possible but cannot be assured in order to investigate fully and properly
HANDLING COMPLAINTS (CONT.) Do not object if an employee prefers to or
actually does bypass the standard chain of command
Respond to any employee’s complaint as soon as possible.
Do not engage in retaliation against an employee who complains of sexual harassment
WHO SHOULD CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS?
Investigations are conducted by human resources, a consultant , or the company’s legal counsel
• Be available for interviews and provide as much information as possible.
• Make employees available for interviews
Once an investigation has been completed, if disciplinary action is to be taken, work with human resources/management to make sure that:
• The victim is not adversely affected
• The sexual harassment stops and does not recur
DOES EVERY COMPANY HAVE TO ABIDE?
If you have 15 or more employees, than you have to abide by Title VII and ADA
But, it’s still the right thing to do.
Caveat: ELCRA
IN SUMMARY
Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment
Keep our harassment policies current and conduct anti-harassment training
Actions courts have considered retaliation Investigate any harassment claims quickly
and act with due diligence Recognize employee-protected activity. Train our supervisors – don’t assume they
“know”
Questions?
Thank you for participating in our first webinar! We look forward to serving you again soon!
Deb LaMere, HR [email protected]