SAY WHAT?
You hear: "If you were a candy bar I'd unwrap you." Does this violate a policy?
Yes - Harassment if it's unwelcome.
A Supervisor asks an employee: "Let's discuss your promotion over dinner." Red? Yellow? Green?
Yellow or Red - Are your internal alarm bells going off? And it doesn't matter whether you're male or female.
When a supevisor disciplines you or a co-worker threatens you for reporting harassment.
Retaliation
An employee who believes they have been harassed in violation of our policy should report the conduct immediately to:
A Supervisor or Human Resources
Foul language comes in many degrees of impropriety. Distinguishing between what's edgy versus what's over-the-top and clearly unacceptable can be difficult. Can foul language or profanity be considered contributing to a hostile work environment?
Michelle Phillips, a principal at Jackson Lewis P.C. in the greater New York City area, clarifies how profanity can be considered to contribute to a hostile work environment, especially use of the F-word.
Those overhearing have every right to report consistent use of profanity in the workplace as well. There is nothing professional about vulgar language and profanity.
Employee uses "Pet Names" when addressing other staff such as "Hon", "Sweetie", "Love" etc. Is this acceptable if the employee is not intending to come across in a sexual manner?
No, not if the employee is uncomfortable. If comfortable you should let them know you don't like it. Otherwise report it to your supervisor.
Mr. Co-worker keeps a sexually explicit calendar at his personal workspace. It's not able to be seen unless someone is standing directly behind his desk. Green? Yellow? or Red?
Red - Material such as this doesn't belong in an employees workspace. Your desk and every drawer is still County property. Never assume you have complete privacy.
Bobs co-worker Bill was passed up for a promotion. Bob reported to HR that for the last week after it was announced he glared at Bob every day when he walked into the office and he ignores his repeated requests for input on a project. What is this and why?
Bullying - Bills behavior is repeated, direct, and intentional.
An employee who is observing disrespectful or harassing behavior has a responsiblity to _______________ it when it occurs. (Fill in the blank)
Report or Stop. You have every right, if you're comfortable, to approach the person and ask them to stop.
Bob and Joan are co-workers and starting a romantic relationship. Everyone knew about it. However one day she then reported that Bob was sexually harassing her. Does she now have a case?
Yes she could. It is important to note that courts will look at events from the victim's point of view, not the alleged harasser's. What is acceptable one day may not be another. the court will look at whether the victim felt harassed and whether a reasonable person in the victim's position would feel harassed.
Can a comment as simple as "You Look Very Nice Today?" turn into Harassment?
Yes, depending on HOW it's said. You look Veeeery Niiiice Today!" while focusing on part of the body - Is just creepy - Don't be a creep.
Employees at the Acme company regularly "initiate" the new employees by hiding their pens, stapler etc. They consider this harmless fun. Red? Green or Yellow? and why?
Red -What may seen a "joke" could most likely turn into creating and offensive work environment especially if it continues. Find a better to welcome new employees.
Sending insulting messages through texts or emails, dirty looks... Excluding certain employees from activites, ignoring emails, purposfuly not acknowleding presence... There are all example of?
Bullying: Non-Verbal Bullying and Exclusion- Another example that we hear of. Employees who are grouped together and stop talking when another walks in. -
In the court system what is the CONCEPT typically used to help determine whether behavior is considered harassment?
Is it UNWELCOME behavior? It's how the recipient feels...no matter how you meant it.
But I only asked her out once a week! My dad always told me to never give up. Wear her down Compliment or Harassment?
Harassment! After the 1st denial...it will come across like harassment even if you're a nice guy and you didn't mean to offend her. If you see this happening to someone else. Report it or ask him to stop immediately.
Sally eats lunch in the breakroom at the same time as another departments group of employees. Every Monday a couple of them discuss their weekend including explicit sexual details. Red? Green? or Yellow? ....and Why?
Red - this is not acceptable behavior at work. Others may overhear or even employees in the group could be offended but won't say anything.
An action cannot be labled harassment if the intent was not to harm the the other person. True or False?
False
True or False: An employee always has the option of reporting conduct they feel is harassment directly to Human Resources?
True -Employees may not feel comfortable reporting to their direct supervisor for various reasons.
A female employee is well liked by all. She enjoys a family atmosphere and works with many males. She consistently places her hand on their arm when talking to them. Is this Sexual Harassment if it's a female to male situation.
Yes it could be if he is uncomfortable. Male vs. Female does not matter.
A delivery truck driver visits a department weekly. He is attracted to a clerk and asks her out. She says no and says she is not interested. But he sends flowers, gifts and candy. Is this still Harassment under our policy if he doesn't actually work for the County?
Yes! She is uncomfortable and he is distracting her from her job. we have a duty to protect our employees from 3rd parties as well.
You're wanting to report bullying but a co-worker/supervisor tells you that going to HR will not look good for your employment. Red? Yellow? Green?
Cherry Red! Beet Red! Fire Red! Especially if this is coming from the direction of a supervisor.
True or False: Explain Why: There is a fine line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior when it comes to Workplace Harassment -
True - What my be acceptable to one person may be considered clear harassment to another. One employee may be fine with hearing a dirty joke - the next employee may smile...but down deep they are very offended.
One single incident of "Quid Pro Quo"sexual harassment is NOT sufficient basis for a claim. What is Quid Pro Quo? and is it True or False
False - One time could could cost you your job and the County significant damages especially if it is linked to granting or denial of employment or benefits.