HR Glossary for HR Professionals

Glossary of the most common HR terms and acronyms to assist professionals navigating the ever-growing and ever-changing world of HR terminology.

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Sexual Harassment

What is a Sexual Harassment?

The EEOC describes sexual harassment as unlawful harassment to someone, including:

  • Unwelcome sexual advances
  • Requests for sexual favors
  • Verbal or physical harassment
  • Lastly, offensive speech about one’s sex

Above all, training for sexual harassment is critical for companies to stay compliant no matter how large or small a business is.

In what ways can sexual harassment occur?

According to the EEOC, sexual harassment can occur in many different ways, including:

  • Can occur across same sex victims. 
  • The harassers may be supervisors, co-workers, or non-employees.
  • The offensive acts to someone else have the potential to affect victims.
  • Lastly, the harasser’s act is unwelcome by the victim.

The EEOC released current state stats in the workplace, including:

  • 47 states ban discrimination.
  • 12 states cover the harassment under the protection against workplace discrimination based on sex.
  • 24 states clearly state that sexual harassment is not allowed in the workplace.
  • Lastly, 8 states go beyond banning these practices and require employers to provide training.

Sexual Harassment Training:

Lastly, trainings with a focus on laws and proper workplace behaviors are important for organizations to implement. Not to mention, trainings protects your company from costly fines.

Related Terms: Discrimination, Training, EEOC

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