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Sexual harassment in the workplace - Know your rights

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policy point Organisations that want to prevent instances of sexual harassment need to actively communicate the types of behaviour that constitute harassment
policy point Organisations that want to prevent instances of sexual harassment need to actively communicate the types of behaviour that constitute harassment

While sexual harassment continues to be a common occurrence in the workplace, it is unfortunately also an issue that is not often addressed.

And, although both men and women can experience sexual harassment in the work environment, it is usually women who fall victim to it.

The fact that it often remains unreported means that organisations aren’t able to deal with the issue effectively, and risk not only reputational damage, but the loss of valuable talent.

The reality is that, due to its sensitive nature, employees are too embarrassed or, in some cases, scared to report instances of sexual harassment.

A common scenario is an employee in a senior position sexually harassing a more junior staff member, who then could feel they may lose their job if they report it.

However, sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited under the labour laws in South Africa, and there are many cases on record where individuals have been legally prosecuted after having been found guilty of sexually harassing a colleague.

The Labour Relations Act contains a code of good practice on the handling of sexual harassment cases in the workplace that defines and gives ways of dealing with it.

According to the code, sexual harassment comprises physical conduct, verbal conduct and, in some instances, non-verbal conduct, where the victim is harassed online, or via messages or images sent to their cellphone.

Behaviours that constitute sexual harassment are those that make you feel uncomfortable, including:

  • Touching;
  • Unwelcome sexual jokes;
  • Unwanted questions about your sex life;
  • Whistling;
  • Rude gestures;
  • Requests for sex; and
  • Being stared at in an offensive way.

In many instances, perpetrators are dismissed. However, it depends very much on the route the victim opts to take when dealing with the harassment charge.

Here, victims have the choice of dealing with the sexual harassment in an informal or formal way.

Informal action

  • Talking to the perpetrator and asking them to stop the behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable.
  • If you don’t feel comfortable approaching the abuser, ask a colleague you trust to accompany you or to talk to them on your behalf. You can also take it up with your manager.
  • Email the perpetrator and tell them their behaviour makes you uncomfortable and ask them to stop. Mention the things they do that make you feel uncomfortable. Remember to keep or save a copy of the communication.

Formal action

When an employee opts to go the formal route, the organisation will need to follow the formal procedure contained in the code. Here the victim needs to be told:

  • To whom they should lodge their grievance; and
  • The time frames in which the grievance will be dealt with.

Ultimately, organisations that want to prevent instances of sexual harassment need to actively communicate the types of behaviour that constitute sexual harassment, as well as the recourse for victims and the consequences for perpetrators.

It is often the case that employees are unaware their behaviour is inappropriate, and many careers and company reputations have been damaged as a result.

Vittee is CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions

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