There's probably no quicker way to get the attention of your HR dept than to suggest that you are being harassed at work. By state and federal law, they will be required to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation, with serious consequences to the offending party if they are found to be at fault. You've probably already had some training in how to recognize, handle, and report harassment because the law requires training of employees and supervisors at all but the smallest companies. Accordingly, I'm just going to hit the high points:
It's harassment if... it's unwelcome or unwanted conduct that denigrates a person based on a 'protected' characteristic including race, color, gender, nationality, age, religion, disability, marital status or sexual orientation. Harassment can be verbal (sexual innuendos, jokes, propositions, abusive language or insults), visual and non-verbal (leering or staring, vulgar sounds or gestures, obscene photos, calendars or email) or physical (pinching, patting, shoulder rubs, display of body parts, assault). In general, a single dirty or ethnic joke won't qualify as harassment, but if an employer doesn't act to stop repeated behaviors, or a pattern of similar behaviors, they can be accused of condoning a hostile or intimidating workplace.
If you're being harassed... immediately let the person know the action is unwelcome. "I don't appreciate that" or "That's not professional" is a good signal. Ignoring the situation never works. The other party will consider your lack of objection as an indication the behavior is welcome, or at least tolerated. It may be uncomfortable for you to speak up but you should make the attempt.
If the harassment doesn't stop, or you're being harassed by your boss... You need to go to HR or another trusted member of management (who will go to HR immediately anyway). They will take your claim seriously and counsel you on the next steps. If the company doesn't take your report seriously, search online for the agency that handles workplace harassment in your state.
How can I make sure my own behavior isn't harassment?
- Don't demean or degrade any individual or group and for pete's sake don't forward salacious email around the office.
- Consider how you'd feel if your behavior were captured on video and shown at the next company meeting or featured on the nightly news. If you're the kind of person who is trying to get on Tosh.0, this may not apply to you.
- Ask yourself how you'd react if the same behavior were applied to your best friend, spouse, relative or child.
- Ask someone in HR if they think the behavior is offensive.
