Unfortunately, workplace harassment is not a new or uncommon issue. It can have wide ramifications, from the personal level of the employee to the company as a whole. This blog will look at different forms of workplace harassment and how they can affect the employees and the company.
What Are Acts of Harassment?
According to The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), harassment is defined as “unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).” This is a broad definition, which means harassment can exist in many different forms within the workplace.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is an all too real problem that can happen to anyone at any time in the workplace. It also far too often goes unreported. According to The EEOC, around 75% of workers who have experienced workplace sexual harassment never report it happening.
Many people don’t report because they’re unsure who they can trust within the company; they fear retaliation from higher-ups, exclusion from their co-workers, or the person who targeted them holds a position of power over them.
The good news is that New Jersey has a very strong law in place—the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination— that will protect victims of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault. Moreover, the New Jersey Supreme Court has made it clear in a series of cases, dating back to the 1993 case of Lehmann v. Toys ‘R’ Us, that it will not allow employers to get away with sexual harassment.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Some acts of sexual harassment can include:
- Unwanted physical contact or verbal advances
- Inappropriate comments said aloud or written, about you or someone else in the workplace
- Forcing an employee to perform sexual acts
- Sexual assault
Employers are required by law to take “prompt and effective remedial action” if sexual harassment occurs. Unfortunately, many employers avoid that responsibility and instead will either ignore complaints entirely or, after a so-called “investigation,” claim that no harassment happened.
At Schall & Barasch, LLC we understand that anyone of any gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or age can be a victim of sexual harassment. We also understand why some victims of sexual harassment or sexual assault may not immediately report it.
We guarantee you this: If we take on your case, we will give it our undivided attention, applying all of our experience, knowledge of the law, and skill in the fight to win your case.
What Effects Can Harassment Have On Employees?
Feeling unsafe, unprotected, and harassed at work can have severe consequences on the employee who experiences harassment.
The trauma of sexual, racial, or other forms of harassment can follow employees for the rest of their lives
It is not an issue that should be taken lightly or ignored. In our experience representing victims of sexual harassment or sexual assault, we have found that healing from the harm will not begin until the employer’s conduct is challenged and a resolution is achieved either in settlement or in court. [RS3]
How Can We Help?
It is illegal for your employer not only to subject you to harassment but also to retaliate against you for reporting any form of harassment in the workplace. Like harassment, retaliation can take shape in many different ways in the workplace.
Give our firm a call if you think you’re being:
- Mistreated
- Threatened with the loss of wages or benefits
- Or more
Our team has over 50 years of experience fighting for equal rights in the workplace. There is no case too small; if you have experienced harassment at work, the time to act is now.
If you have experienced any form of workplace harassment, contact Schall & Barasch, LLC at (856) 242-8491! We are here to fight for you.