Women should know how to protect themselves at all times even when in the workplace. While it’s okay to establish a good working relationship with one’s male colleagues, a female worker should put a little distance to avoid issues later on.
One should not be too complacent because sometimes, sexual harassment and assaults can be initiated by somebody you know including a male co-worker. Reports have it that while some women are assaulted by strangers, almost 75 percent of rapists are known to their victims. A 2010 survey, meanwhile, showed that 88 percent of the 600 women employees covered had experienced some form of sexual harassment at work either by their male colleagues or superiors.
It’s a reality today that more women prefer to work and balance their parenting responsibilities. In fact, the percentage of women working went up from 34 percent in the 1950s to 60 percent in the present time. Unfortunately as women choose to work outside the home whether in an office or store, they also become vulnerable to sex crimes and other related issues.
Females working as sales staff are no exception. Their male colleagues may take interest in them and become very persistent to the point of annoying the women.
How then can you prevent sexual harassment in the workplace? Should you inform your boss about it?
Show and Say Your Disapproval
Do not be afraid to be frank to the person who’s bothering you. Tell him upfront to stop his unpleasant behavior whether it’s standing too close to you or touching you accidentally because it makes your uncomfortable. Do reply to emails and text messages with the same message – to put a stop to their behavior.
Keep a Record of Every Move
To ensure you have evidence in the event you want to report to your boss, make sure to note down the date, time and details of every incident. You can even discreetly record inappropriate comments using y our mobile phone. And do not forget to save those emails and text messages that contain unpleasant words.
Share with a Trusted Colleague
You may want to share the issue with a colleague but be sure you know the person well. If possible, you should confide this with someone in a senior position so she can also observe the situation.
File a Complaint
If the behavior persists, it may be time to bring the matter to the attention of the management. File a formal written complaint to the senior members of the organization and provide your evidence. Provide yourself with a copy of the complaint as well.
You can also approach a third party such a women’s group dedicated to protecting women’s rights if you think your company is delaying the disciplinary action meant for that male colleague.
Image via blogs.telegraph
About the guest author:
Adam Schults is a professional blogger that discusses various legal topics. He writes for Musca Law, a leading law firm in Florida.
Originally posted on August 19, 2013 @ 3:39 am