January 2, 2018

Different Understandings of Sexual Harassment

It’s clear that we are experiencing a unique cultural moment regarding sex harassment in the workplace. News stories about accused harassers break daily in the news, and the “silence breakers” were named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Amidst this constant conversation, a recent Reuters poll demonstrates that not everyone in the workplace has the same understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment.

The poll found that most adults agree that intentional groping or kissing “without your consent” is considered sexual harassment. People were more divided over whether “unwanted compliments about your appearance” or “dirty jokes” would be considered sexual harassment. Under the law, any of these acts can be considered sexual harassment. This poll illustrates a challenge employer’s face: ensuring that their employees behave lawfully both to protect all employees and to lower the employers risk of a lawsuit.

Interestingly, a survey by the New York Times found that 25% of men surveyed admitted to performing one action that could be classified as sexual harassment in their workplace by: telling inappropriate jokes or stories; making sexist remarks; showing sexual material; engaging in unwanted sex talk; making gestures; asking someone on a date after they said no; asking someone to be in a relationship after saying no; touching someone; stroking someone, or; sexually coercing a co-worker. Many of the men did not identify those behaviors as "harassing."

People’s perceptions of what constitutes sexual harassment are not completely in sync with their co-workers or with the law. Clear training and workplace policies are critical to ensure that employees all understand what is acceptable in the workplace.

Employers: contact us to conduct training and update policies

EMPLOYEES: Contact us if you are dealing with sex harassment at work

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The Postpartum Ad the Oscars Wouldn't Run

February 24, 2020
Pregnancy Discrimination
Paid Family Leave
Sometimes reality is too real for Hollywood and the culture machine, as was demonstrated when ABC and the Academy decided not to air an ad dealing straightforwardly with the reality of postpartum life. The ad for Frida Mom, a retailer in the baby and new mother field, depicted a women confronting in a realistic manner the stress and changes that occur for new mothers.

Associate Alex Berke quoted in Mother Jones on Defamation and Sexual Harassment

February 18, 2020
Sexual Harassment
Alex Berke, an employment lawyer in New York, says she asks men what their goal is when they come to her after being accused of sexual harassment. Will a lawsuit really stop people from talking about them?

NYC Commission on Human Rights Clarifies Work Protections for Independent Contractors and Freelancers

January 30, 2020
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New York City's Commission On Human Rights has published new information for freelancers and contractors working in the city.

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