In Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, you'll learn...
- What types of behavior the courts say constitutes sexual harassment
- How to put a stop to questionable behavior before it results in a sexual harassment claim
- Specific actions you can take to foster a harassment-free workplace
- How to develop an understandable and enforceable sexual harassment policy
- And much more!
The consequences of sexual harassment can be severe: Expensive claims, negative publicity, lost productivity and poor morale. This comprehensive workshop focuses on every aspect of harassment, from what it is … to why it happens … to how to investigate claims and defend against lawsuits. You’ll get expert advice on treating employees fairly and increasing sexual harassment awareness by implementing and enforcing sound policies and guidelines that will keep your company out of court.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
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What sexual harassment is—and isn’t+
- Clearing up the misconceptions: A short quiz to test your own understanding of the actions that could be considered sexual harassment
- Understanding the legal definition of sexual harassment—and how the law evolved
- Real court cases that have a bearing on the interpretation of what constitutes sexual harassment
- Understanding the mindset that can give rise to sexual harassment
- Sexual harassment versus sex discrimination: Are they the same thing?
- How the differences in men’s and women’s perceptions affect workplace behavior—and sometimes contribute to the tolerance of sexual harassment
- The difference between quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment
- Not just a women’s issue: Understanding who can be a sexual harassment victim
- The many forms sexual harassment takes—verbal, visual and physical
- When an employee can legitimately sue for sexual harassment even if he or she isn’t the person being harassed
EEOC guidelines and legal considerations+
- Why sexual harassment claims can put you at risk for other tort claims like negligent hiring
- Understanding EEOC guidelines and regulations on sexual harassment
- A rundown of the costs associated with defending against a sexual harassment claim
- Beyond the actual incident: Understanding the far-reaching, damaging effects most employers don’t realize sexual harassment has on the workplace
- How to defend yourself against sexual harassment extortion: What an employee must be able to prove in order for a sexual harassment suit to hold up in court
- The legal threat doesn’t stop at the office door: Understanding whose sexually harassing behavior employers can be held responsible for
- Understanding an employer’s liability under the concept of respondeat superior
- State fair employment practice statutes: Find out why your company could be liable for damages that exceed those provided for under Title VII
How to establish preventive sexual harassment policies and guidelines+
- Debunking common organizational myths about sexual harassment
- Practical individual and group exercises designed to develop an awareness of what constitutes sexual harassment and to address it effectively if it does occur
- 3 steps an organization can implement as part of its general operating procedures to minimize its liability for a sexual harassment claim
- How to establish and enforce an effective policy statement prohibiting harassment
- Record-keeping do’s and don’ts for protecting you and your organization against claims of sexual harassment
- Why e-mail can be an issue in sexual harassment suits—and the steps your organization can take to eliminate its potentially damaging effects
- Day-to-day management practices that safeguard you and your organization from sexual harassment charges
- 10 critical points every manager or supervisor must keep in mind when conducting sexual harassment training
- How to use the “reasonable person” and “reasonable woman” standards to determine whether certain kinds of behavior are acceptable
- How to recognize and address borderline behavior that could potentially escalate into sexual harassment
How to implement and enforce procedures for handling sexual harassment complaints+
- The very first step you should take when an employee makes a sexual harassment complaint
- Avenues an employee may pursue to bring a claim of sexual harassment
- How to establish and enforce complaint or grievance procedures (including a model complaint form you can tailor for your organization)
- How to decide whether to allow company personnel to investigate a complaint or to call in outside fact finders
- Out-of-court alternatives for handling potential sexual harassment claims
- Special considerations managers and supervisors must be aware of when investigating the complaints of federal and union workers
- The key factor in resolving any workplace sexual harassment complaint
- The hallmarks of a thorough sexual harassment investigation
- Critical follow-up steps to take if an internal investigation reveals no sexual harassment occurred
- Techniques for interviewing the complainant, the alleged harasser and witnesses
- Understanding the importance of privacy issues in any sexual harassment investigation
- The steps to take if an investigation proves inconclusive
Understanding the legal process involved in settling a sexual harassment claim+
- Recognizing when it’s time to call in an attorney
- Tactical tips for testifying at a deposition
- The various agencies that may become involved in a sexual harassment investigation and the roles they play
- Understanding the circumstances when you should consider settling a sexual harassment case
- Items your organization may be asked to provide during an investigation by an outside agency
- Understanding the process of discovery
- Factors that determine whether a sexual harassment case will be heard by a jury
