What Employees in Glendale, CA Need to Know About Preventing Sexual Harassment

Everyone has the right to work to provide for themselves and their family without being subjected to abusive working conditions. Protected within that right is to do so in an environment that is free of hostility and harassment on the basis of sex. Unfortunately, sexually-harassing behavior can often go unreported to many employers when it becomes an acceptable part of the workplace culture, hidden as supposedly “harmless” jokes or banter among colleagues. Explore what employees in Glendale, CA, need to know about preventing sexual harassment in their workplaces.

California Workplace Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes any unwanted actions or behaviors that create an offensive, hostile, or intimidating work environment to members of a particular sex. Unfortunately, employees may experience harassment from:

• Their employer
• Coworkers
• Managers
• Supervisors
• Clients
• And more…

Under California law, sexual harassment is illegal behavior that can include physical, verbal, or non-verbal behavior of a sexual nature. Such conduct can take place in all industries but are all preventable when employers take remedial action and create a work environment that is not retaliatory or discriminatory when potential harassment is reported.

Employees have a right to work in an environment free from harassment. Many types of behavior involving sexual undertones can be considered unlawful at work. Even seemingly “small” instances of this behavior from the standpoint of the actor may be against the law. Any such conduct should be immediately reported first to your employer, who should be provided with an opportunity to correct the workplace behavior. However, if that fails, consider talking to a trusted attorney at Kramer Brown Hui LLP about whether you may have a valid harassment claim.

California Sexual Harassment Claims

There are two types of categories of recognized sexual harassment claims under California law:

• Quid pro quo. This Latin phrase is used to describe instances where there is an exchange of favors between two individuals. Quid pro quo sexual harassment can occur when your employer or your supervisor makes an employment decision based on whether you accept their sexual advance. For example, your boss might offer a promotion in exchange for a date, or your supervisor might threaten to fire you if you refuse their demands for sexual activity.
• Hostile work environment. You may have a claim for a hostile work environment if you can prove there is enough unwelcome sexual behavior in the workplace to make it feel abusive or intimidating. For example, your boss may make many requests for a date, or they may repeatedly show you inappropriate content or touch you physically without your permission. This behavior can create a hostile work environment and justification for a harassment claim if the behavior is recurring and severe.

Instances of sexual harassment should be immediately reported to your employer, who is responsible for correcting the behavior. If they fail to do so, or you experience further employment violations as a result, such as retaliation, discrimination, or further hostility, you should report your employer with the help of a Glendale sexual harassment attorney.

Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment

Across the United States, approximately 81% of women and 43% of men reported workplace sexual harassment. In California, the rate of reported harassment is even higher. Approximately 86% of women and 53% of men reported being victims of sexual harassment at work. As an employee in California, it’s important to understand how to prevent harassment and your basic employee rights.

As California employers, Glendale employers are required to prevent sexual harassment. To play your part as an employee, you can:

• Know and follow your company’s workplace policies
• Understand your employee rights and responsibilities related to sexual harassment
• Recognize that in California, you have the right to work in an environment free from workplace sexual harassment
• Learn who to contact within your specific company to report concerns
• Take harassment training seriously
• Understand how to recognize sexual harassment
• Learn what specific steps to take if you experience it or witness potentially harassing conduct
• Avoid inappropriate behavior like making or encouraging sexually-charged jokes
• Refrain from engaging in behavior that may be perceived as harassment
• Document all communications you observe or receive from coworkers and managers, especially if it could be considered inappropriate
• Immediately report any concerns about or instances of harassment
• Assist other employees involved or victimized if you witness harassment or any of its warning signs.

If you need help discussing your legal options after being a victim of harassment, speak with an experienced California attorney confidentially. They can explain potential legal options, help you get justice, and provide compassionate legal assistance so you can move forward with your life.

FAQs

Should Glendale Employees Hire a Glendale-based Attorney for a Work-Related Sexual Harassment Claim?

While you aren’t required to hire an attorney in Glendale for a work-related sexual harassment claim, an attorney experienced in the law applicable in Glendale, CA, is always recommended. An attorney can help explain complex harassment laws, investigate the harassment, and pursue all available avenues for financial recovery. An attorney can provide reliable help throughout your claim, especially if the behavior is severe or if liability is disputed. A compassionate attorney can aggressively advocate for your interests when negotiating on your behalf.

How Do Glendale Employees Prove Sexual Harassment?

To prove a claim for sexual harassment in California, you should follow several steps. Begin by documenting each harassing incident. Next, gather important evidence such as emails, texts, potential witnesses, and anything else you feel may help support what you have experienced or observed. Then, report the harassment to your employer. Record any adverse consequences after the harassment is reported. Document how the harassment report affected your employment, especially if any changes appear to be retaliation. If the behavior continues, consult an experienced Glendale workplace harassment attorney.

What Kinds of Workplace Behavior Are Illegal in California?

Workplace behaviors that are illegal sexual harassment in California can take many forms. These can include whistling or catcalling, unwelcome touching, groping, hugging, or kissing, demanding dates or sexual favors, making inappropriate jokes, gestures, or comments, making fun of someone’s sexual identity or gender, using derogatory language or offensive slurs, and much more. If you feel you have experienced conduct in your workplace that has made you feel uncomfortable or targeted, it is important to immediately report it.

Glendale Sexual Harassment Lawyers

Kramer Brown Hui LLP has helped employees in Glendale and throughout Southern California with complex harassment cases. It’s important to discuss your case with attorneys familiar with the laws on California sexual harassment. Every case is unique, and our attorneys can develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation. Contact us to schedule a free initial case review and to find out how we can put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

See Related Posts:

• How to Prove Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
• Know Your Rights: Sexual Orientation Discrimination