Introduction
The law forbids the discrimination based on sex in the workplace. According to Hersch (2011), of the 90,000 employment discrimination claims reported annually, about 14,000 are sexual harassment allegations. It is worrying to note that sexual harassment makes the victims feel intimidated, humiliated, undermined, or offended. It also interferes with their performances and, thus, prevents them from reaching their full potential. As the HR manager at the company where an employee complains about being sexually harassed by a male co-worker, I would take the necessary steps to solve the problem immediately. I would first establish the facts of what occurred from the female employee’s viewpoint and assure her that I will take the necessary actions to solve the problem. After substantiating the allegations, I would remind the harasser that asking for dates repeatedly even after being turned down is a form of sexual harassment. I would, thus, demand him to cease the behavior, abide by the company’s standards and policies, and apologize to the victim. I would also give him a last warning.
Below is the possible conversation that I would have with the female worker (victim).
Victim: Excuse me, sir, I have a burning issue that I would like to report
Me: Please, go ahead and explain it.
Victim: I am being harassed by one of the male co-workers.
Me: What form of harassment?
Victim: Sexual harassment. He has been asking me out for dates time and again in spite of me refusing.
Me: I am very sorry for that and thank you for reporting. I would like to tell you that it is my legal duty to ensure that our company has free and safe working environment. As the HR manager, I will deal with the matter accordingly and ensure that such an incident will not happen to you or any other employee in the future.
Victim: Thank you very much.
Me: You are always welcome.
Below is the summary of the conversation that I would have with the male employee (harasser).
Me: It has come to my attention that you have been sexually harassing one of our employees by continuing to ask her out on a date despite her saying no.
Harasser: I am sorry sir, I did not know that constitutes sexual harassment.
Me: Have you forgotten our company’s standards and policies?
Harasser: No sir.
Me: It is unlawful to harass an individual because of his or her sex in any workplace including this company. Asking for dates repeatedly and not taking no for an answer is a hostile work environment harassment and I will not tolerate that or any other form of sexual harassment in this company.
Harasser: I now understand sir.
Me: I demand you to apologize to her immediately and cease that behavior, failure to which you will face dire consequences. Besides, you must conform to all our standards and policies. What is more, starting today you will be monitored.
References
Hersch, J. (2011). Compensating differentials for sexual harassment. In American Economic Review Papers and Proceedings, May (pp. 11-06).
