Researchers at the University of Massachusetts estimate that approximately five million people experience sexual harassment on the job every year. Despite the pervasiveness of this abhorrent treatment, most sexual harassment victims do not report the harmful behavior. The reasons behind why victims decline to report the harassment are many, but there are actions employers must make to address the issue before it becomes a problem and to deal with instances of harassment when they do occur. What Constitutes Sexual Harassment[…] Read More
Category: Sexual Harassment
Can Halloween Parties Lead to Sexual Harassment Claims?
Halloween is supposed to be all in good fun, but it is not always fun for everyone. Although the idea for an employer-sponsored Halloween party may be born out of a desire to create a workplace community or to encourage teambuilding among colleagues, the sentiment has the potential to backfire. Unfortunately, some workers may have religious or moral objections to celebrating the holiday; others may become offended by a co-worker’s ill-conceived costume; and still others may be made to feel[…] Read More
Are Hotel Workers Especially Vulnerable to Sexual Harassment?
Among employees in the United States, service workers are at particular risk of sexual harassment in the workplace. Hotel workers such as housekeepers, waitresses, bartenders, and others who deal with guests are susceptible to inappropriate comments and attention from patrons of the establishment. Owing to the secluded nature of their work, housekeepers in particular are vulnerable to being approached inappropriately by guests in hotel rooms. Inappropriate Interactions Hotel Housekeepers Experience at Work A survey of the hotel industry reported that[…] Read More
What is Same-Sex Harassment?
Sexual harassment on the job is a violation of federal law, many state laws, and even some local laws. Many do not realize that sexual harassment, although common between members of the opposite sex, is also an issue between members of the same sex. Sexual harassment is a type of behavior that is illegal and punishable by law. What are Some Instances of Same-Sex Harassment? The U.S. Supreme Court ruled sexual harassment illegal under Title VII even if it is[…] Read More
Chefs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich to Pay Victims of Sexual Harassment on Job
Celebrity chefs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich have agreed to a settlement with at least 20 former employees who alleged sexual harassment and retaliation related to their employment at three of the duo’s New York City restaurants. B&B Hospitality, the management group owned by the two high-profile cooks, agreed to pay $600,000 to former employees at Babbo, Lupa, and Del Posto, which has since closed. After a four-year investigation, the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the[…] Read More