Unwanted sexual advances, crude remarks and other actions can all fall into the category of harassment. While more light has been shed on sexual harassment in the workplace in recent months, there is still much information regarding this issue that needs discussing. For instance, many men also face this type of harassment while on the job, but most feel hesitant to bring up the topic.
California readers may be interested in new research that indicates that approximately 17 percent of harassment claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are from men. Typically, the harassment begins due to other workers not viewing the men as masculine, and harassers seek to humiliate victims. In many cases, male victims worry that others will not believe them or that the situation is too embarrassing to bring up.
One individual stated that he was apprehensive about talking about the harassment he faced because he felt that, as a man, he should be able to protect himself. He faced harassment from a co-worker for three years. The final straw for him came when the co-worker put his crotch in the man’s face, and he decided to file a claim with the EEOC after his supervisor essentially told the man to ignore the actions because the other worker would retire soon.
Sexual harassment can affect anyone, and every victim should have the opportunity to make his or her voice heard. If California residents have faced this type of wrongful behavior while at work, they may wish to find out more information on dealing with the problem. While talking to supervisors may be a viable first step, additional action may be necessary if individuals in management positions do not properly address the concerns.
Source: nypost.com, “The surprising number of men who complain of workplace sexual harassment“, Tamar Lapin, April 9, 2018