Whether it is a multi-national company or a small business, gender issues still prevail.  A browse on the internet or the newspapers will prove that sexual harassment in the workplace is still something to contend with.  Even with policies implemented in big companies, complaints are being filed. Charges and penalties have been imposed by government agencies to those found guilty of sexual harassment.  With an experienced sexual harassment attorney Long Beach based, cases from the area can be rightfully represented.

Small Businesses Should Tackle the Issue As Well

Small businesses are more prone to sexual harassment concerns that the big ones.  This can lie in the fact that no policies on the subject are made and implemented. Most small businesses are run by family and those working for them are oftentimes treated on a very personal level.  The employees are not even made aware that sexual harassment is against the law. When such situation happens then a sexual harassment attorney Long Beach area is the best person to call on and get counsel on the proper steps to make.

Effects of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Low employee morale that affects productivity is a direct effect of a sexual harassment issue on the job. This can happen to a group of women or to a single individual.  Variations of victim/s and harasser/s can occur. Take for example the recent case of two male supervisors sexual harassing Latinas a cleaning company in Irvine, California.  The company was asked to pay the complainants almost half a million dollars.

Other effects on the employee:

• depression, stress and anxiousness
• frequent tardiness and absences because employee wants to stay away from the harasser/s
• trust issues towards people
• lack of self-esteem and confidence
• physical symptoms like frequent headaches, back aches, vomiting, etc.
• marital and family relationships get affected
• inability to concentrate

All of the above would make the employee/s less productive and this will eventually have a corresponding result in revenues.

Management’s Responsibility

Management specifically the HR Department is responsible for putting in place the policies, educating personnel what sexual harassment is all about and letting them know the processes when filing a complaint or charge.  If the management will not attend to such complaints then the employee/s can level up and seek the assistance of a sexual harassment attorney Long Beach area.

In California, employers with 50 or more personnel are mandated to conduct sexual harassment prevention training for supervisors once every two hours.  The training would let supervisors become aware of the laws and penalties. It would be the aim of the training to deter those handling people from making acts considered to be sexual harassment.

The Right NOT To Be Sexually Harassed

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be prevented with good policies and implementation. No one has the right to harass anybody. Those who have personnel or workers under their supervision should not be allowed to abuse their authority. In cases where no action is made even if complaints have been made, there is always a sexual harassment attorney Long Beach based who can attend to the matter.