• Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

    What Is Sexual Harassment?

    Employment law recognizes multiple types of sexual harassment in the workplace. For example, you might contact a sexual harassment attorney if another individual requests sexual favors or makes unwanted sexual advances. However, a wide range of other verbal and physical behaviors have been identified as forms of sexual harassment, such as crude jokes of a sexual nature. If you think you may have been the victim of sexual harassment, it’s important to get in touch with a sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible.

    Watch this video to hear more about this common workplace problem. This expert urges victims to be proactive by keeping a written record of all incidences of sexual harassment. This record will be helpful when your sexual harassment attorney files a claim on your behalf.

    The Two Main Categories of Workplace Sexual Harassment

    There are many possible manifestations of workplace sexual harassment. They typically fall into two main categories. The first is quid pro quo sexual harassment and the second is the creation of a hostile environment. If you’re unsure of whether your rights were violated, you can contact a sexual harassment attorney. Let your labor attorney know about all incidences of possible sexual harassment, and ask him or her any questions you may have about employment law.

    Quid pro quo sexual harassment involves telling an employee that he or she must provide a sexual favor in exchange for job retention, promotion, or achieving some other benefit. Since quid pro quo sexual harassment often lacks witnesses and can be challenging to prove in court, it’s essential to work with a sexual harassment attorney who will thoroughly investigate the claim. The other type of sexual harassment involves a workplace that is characterized by the pervasiveness of behaviors that are sexual in nature, such as telling dirty jokes, making crude remarks, leering, or engaging in other undesirable behaviors.

    The Effects of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

    A hostile working environment characterized by pervasive sexual harassment can make employees uncomfortable, to say the least. However, the serious effects of sexual harassment are often understated. These behaviors can cause significant health problems, financial difficulties, and even global repercussions. If you’ve encountered sexual harassment in the workplace, you have the right to consult a sexual harassment attorney. Your labor law attorney can explain your legal rights to you and discuss your options for obtaining damages.

    1. Emotional Well-Being
    Sexual harassment can jeopardize the victim’s emotional and mental health. It can lead to the loss of self-esteem and it may even compromise personal relationships. Sexual harassment in the workplace can cause significant stress and anxiety. An employment harassment lawyer is also likely to work with clients who have suffered from long-term clinical depression as a result of sexual harassment.

    2. Physical Health
    Physical health and emotional health are closely linked. When victims of sexual harassment experience mental and emotional problems, it often leads to physical health issues, such as loss of appetite, headaches, weight fluctuations, and sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances can, in turn, lead to other serious health problems, such as hormonal imbalance, an increased risk of high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

    3. Financial Challenges
    In addition to causing health problems, sexual harassment frequently leads to financial challenges. It’s important to tell your sexual harassment attorney in San Jose about any financial consequences of sexual harassment, such as lost wages and unpaid leave. Some victims of sexual harassment may even face broader career repercussions, such as the loss of job references. They may decide to leave their current position or employer to avoid a hostile work environment.

    4. Global Consequences
    Sexual harassment has a direct effect on employers and the global economy. Each year, millions are lost due to absenteeism, low productivity, employee turnover, low morale, and legal costs stemming from sexual harassment. The economy also suffers due to premature retirement and higher insurance costs.

    Signs You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work

    Employees often feel pressured to look the other way when sexual harassment occurs. If they voice their concerns, they may be told that the offensive behavior was nothing to get upset about. However, sexual harassment should never be ignored or condoned. If you feel that you’re being sexually harassed in the workplace, you can turn to a sexual harassment lawyer for help. Your labor law attorney may recommend that you keep detailed records of all instances of offensive behavior to support your claim.

    1. You’ve Been Asked for a Sexual Favor at Work
    Sometimes, sexual harassment is overt. You may have been asked for a sexual favor by a supervisor in exchange for a raise or a promotion. Or, you may have been told that unless you agreed to the sexual favor, you would be fired or demoted. Employment law recognizes this type of discrimination as quid pro quo sexual harassment. Although it may seem that it would be difficult to prove what someone else has told you, you’ll find that a sexual harassment attorney can bring powerful investigative tools to the case.

    2. You’ve Seen Offensive Images or Heard Offensive Remarks
    Other types of sexual harassment are less obvious than quid pro quo sexual harassment, such as being subjected to offensive images or language. For example, a co-worker or supervisor may have sent an email containing inappropriate images or language. A co-worker might hang an offensive calendar in a workspace. These are all signs that you’ve been sexually harassed at work – even if the images were not sent directly to you. Additionally, bear in mind that some types of language may constitute sexual harassment even if it is not sexual in nature. For example, a supervisor might call the female employees by non-sexual, yet offensive names, while refraining from doing so to the male employees. This is also a form of sexual harassment.

    3. A Hostile Working Environment Makes You Uncomfortable
    If you feel uncomfortable going to work, you may be the victim of sexual harassment. Employment law recognizes that not all acts of sexual harassment may be directed at a particular victim. Instead, your sexual harassment attorney may file a claim on your behalf based on the maintenance of a hostile work environment.

    If you’re in San Jose and need an attorney you can depend on to fight your case, contact Advocacy Center for Employment Law.

  • Putting an End to Sexual Harassment at Work

    Employment law on both the state and federal level protects workers from sexual harassment on the job. Although many workers fear retaliation from taking action against sexual harassment, it’s actually illegal for an employer to fire or otherwise discipline a worker for reporting sexual harassment. If you feel you may have been a victim, contact a sexual harassment attorney right away. Your labor law attorney may help you obtain compensation and other damages.

    As you’ll learn by watching this video, there are many forms of sexual harassment. This expert discusses overt advances in the workplace, in addition to the behaviors that can constitute a hostile workplace environment. You can fight back against sexual harassment by working with a sexual harassment attorney in San Jose. Knowledge is power to fight back.

  • Get the Facts on Sexual Harassment

    Sexual harassment Attorney in San Jose Everyone has the right to a work environment that is free of threatening behaviors such as sexual harassment. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is far more common than you might think. It can happen to anyone at any time. Getting the facts about sexual harassment and understanding your right to speak with a sexual harassment attorney can both empower you and protect you. If you have been the victim of these types of unacceptable behaviors in the workplace, a sexual harassment attorney in San Jose can explain your legal options.

    1. Circumstances
    It’s a common misconception that sexual harassment only affects women and is only perpetrated by men. In fact, both men and women can engage in sexual harassment and they may both be the victims of it. Likewise, a person who commits sexual harassment may be a co-worker, supervisor, or even a non-employee. A victim of sexual harassment may not necessarily be the direct target of it. For example, a sexual harassment attorney may represent someone who has a job at a workplace characterized by a hostile environment.

    2. Types
    Sexual harassment is a broad area that can encompass any verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature that is unwelcome. Employment law recognizes that behaviors such as leering, sexual innuendo, lewd letters, and unwelcome touching are all forms of sexual harassment. A person might “accidentally” brush up against another person, or he or she might display pornography at work. Sometimes, unwanted sexual advances may be blatant , such as requesting sexual favors, or they may be subtle, such as spreading sexist cartoons in the workplace.

    3. Resolutions
    Each workplace should have an established sexual harassment policy. This policy should explain that sexual harassment is not tolerated in the workplace and it should inform employees how to report sexual harassment. Unfortunately, filing a complaint with an employer doesn’t always stop the behavior—particularly if the supervisor is the person committing the offense. Victims of sexual harassment should consult a sexual harassment attorney. The lawyer can file a complaint against that employer or company.

  • Getting Help from a Lawyer for Workplace Harassment

    Employment law is often confusing. It can be difficult to know exactly which laws and regulations apply to your situation. This is one way in which a labor attorney in San Jose can provide invaluable help. Your sexual harassment attorney can help you understand the laws that are applicable to you and what your legal rights are. A lawyer can also provide advice on how you should deal with your employer and other relevant parties during the legal process.

    For more tips on obtaining legal advice from a sexual harassment attorney, you can watch this video. This expert discusses the importance of having someone with the right knowledge and experience on your side, and how an attorney can sort through evidence and address potential witnesses.

  • What to Know If You’re Sexually Harassed at Work

    Attorney in San Jose Did you know that the majority of workers who suffer from sexual harassment never report these incidences, either to their employers or to a sexual harassment attorney? You don’t have to let your tormenter get away with crude behaviors; you do have legal rights and recourse. If you’ve suffered from unwanted advances or other types of sexual harassment at work, it’s in your best interests to contact a sexual harassment attorney in San Jose. Your employment harassment lawyer can inform you of everything you need to know to successfully handle your claim.

    1. Understand Your Company’s Sexual Harassment Policy
    The first step you should take after experiencing sexual harassment is to find your company’s policy on these types of behaviors. Check your employee handbook, union contract, postings in the break room, and similar areas, or ask your point of contact in the human resources department for a copy of the policy. The policy should outline the exact steps you need to take to report the incident. If the person to whom you’re supposed to report the incident is the person who has harassed you, go to that person’s supervisor. If your company lacks a sexual harassment policy, you can report the incident in writing to your supervisor or ask your sexual harassment attorney for guidance.

    2. Avoid Giving Your Two Weeks’ Notice
    When dealing with sexual harassment, it’s all too common for the victims to quit out of fear or shame. While it’s your right to quit any time you wish, you should be aware that in doing so, you may forfeit your right to file a sexual harassment lawsuit. If your employer has a sexual harassment policy, you must follow the steps outlined in that policy and allow your employer the chance to take appropriate disciplinary action. If you quit before your employer has this opportunity, you may not be able to file a lawsuit. However, if you feel that your physical safety is in jeopardy or your mental health is at risk, you might decide that it’s worth it to find a new job.

    3. Document and Report All Incidences
    Your sexual harassment attorney will need thorough documentation of all incidences of sexual harassment. Carry a small notebook around your office with you and write down the dates and times of all incidents, as well as what happened. Report each incident to your supervisor promptly.

  • Get the Facts on Sexual Harassment

    Get the Facts on Sexual Harassment

    Sexual Harassment in San Jose Everyone has the right to a work environment that is free of threatening behaviors such as sexual harassment. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is far more common than you might think. It can happen to anyone at any time. Getting the facts about sexual harassment and understanding your right to speak with a sexual harassment attorney can both empower you and protect you. If you have been the victim of these types of unacceptable behaviors in the workplace, a sexual harassment attorney in San Jose can explain your legal options.

    1. Circumstances

    It’s a common misconception that sexual harassment only affects women and is only perpetrated by men. In fact, both men and women can engage in sexual harassment and they may both be the victims of it. Likewise, a person who commits sexual harassment may be a co-worker, supervisor, or even a non-employee. A victim of sexual harassment may not necessarily be the direct target of it. For example, a sexual harassment attorney may represent someone who has a job in a workplace characterized by a hostile environment.

    2. Types

    Sexual harassment is a broad area that can encompass any verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature that is unwelcome. Employment law recognizes that behaviors such as leering, sexual innuendo, lewd letters, and unwelcome touching are all forms of sexual harassment. A person might “accidentally” brush up against another person, or he or she might display pornography at work. Sometimes, unwanted sexual advances may be blatant , such as requesting sexual favors, or they may be subtle, such as spreading sexist cartoons in the workplace.

    3. Resolutions

    Each workplace should have an established sexual harassment policy. This policy should explain that sexual harassment is not tolerated in the workplace and it should inform employees how to report sexual harassment. Unfortunately, filing a complaint with an employer doesn’t always stop the behavior—particularly if the supervisor is the person committing the offense. Victims of sexual harassment should consult a sexual harassment attorney. The lawyer can file a complaint against that employer or company.