Sexual harassment at work is a severe matter and reporting it to management can feel overwhelming and terrifying. Those who came forward may have doubts and fears, such as: will Human Resources believe me, and are they really on my side?
What is HR’s role in a sexual harassment incident?
HR’s primary function is to ensure a safe and legal work environment. They must investigate any sexual harassment claims and take appropriate action. This includes interviewing the involved parties and witnesses, gathering evidence and protecting your confidentiality. Eventually, they will determine the proper disciplinary action against your harasser, ranging from verbal warnings and suspension to potential termination of employment.
What happens if HR does nothing?
Unfortunately, HR professionals do not always do what an employee wants them to do because they view the complaint from the perspective of how it involves and affects the company. They are not necessarily employee advocates, so their decisions and actions are typically aligned with what benefits the business rather than the individual.
If you feel like HR is not handling the situation effectively, there are other options you can take. You may seek legal professionals to help you with your case or file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to understand and practice your rights to fair treatment.
The importance of reporting sexual harassment
Despite assurances of action, some employees are hesitant to report due to fear of retaliation or a perception that HR might favor the accused, especially if it is a higher-level employee or an executive. It is crucial to remember that not reporting incidents like sexual harassment allows for it to continue. Sexual harassment creates a hostile work environment for everyone around. Taking a stand discourages the harasser and prevents them from targeting others. It also fosters a culture of respect and safety within the workplace.
By coming forward, you create a record of the incident, potentially helping protect others from experiencing the same type of harassment and holding the harasser accountable for their actions.