Objectives• Describe behaviors indicative of

bullying at work• Explain the two types of harassment• Establish a barometer for humor at

work• Identify the two types of third party

harassment• Develop skills for working with

multiple generations• Delineate procedures for

addressing harassing behaviors• Identify behaviors and practices

that put you at risk of offending and ways to avoid doing so

A Bully is Often…

• Relentless

• Disrespectful

• Assertive

• Abrasive

• Opinionated

• Critical

• Offensive

• Vocal

• Physical

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

• When someone in authority requests sexual favors or engages in unwelcome advances or other sexually related behavior, and

• The submission to or rejection of the behavior by the employee is used as a basis for a tangible employment action

Tangible Employment Action

• Any action that results in a significant change to the employee’s job status or working conditions such as:– Hiring– Firing– Promotion– Demotion– Denial of training– Undesirable reassignment– Change to benefits or

compensation

Hostile Environment Harassment

• When an employee is repeatedly exposed to behavior that causes a person to feel uncomfortable, disrespected or threatened to the point that focusing on work is difficult

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Prohibits discrimination based on:• Race• Color• Religion• Sex• National originAnd other Federal laws prohibit

discrimination based on:• Age• Disability• Pregnancy

Costs of Harassment

• Lawsuits, fines and settlements

• Decreased productivity

• Lowered morale

• Increased employee turnover

Reasonable Person Standard

• Would a reasonable person find the behavior offensive?

Humor at Work

• Do not share jokes at the expense of another person

• Avoid joking about sensitive topics at work

• Think twice before forwarding humorous emails

• Do not use humor to intimidate others

Third Party Harassment

• When an employee is harassed by someone who is not an employee of the organization, such as:

– Suppliers and vendors

– Contractors

– Customers and visitors

• When an employee is harassed by behavior they cannot avoid being exposed to

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

• Prohibits discrimination based on age against employees who are 40 years of age or older

• Several states have enacted legislation protecting younger workers

Four Generations at Work

• Traditionalists (Born 1930-1945)

• Baby Boomers (Born 1945-1964)

• Generation X (Born 1965-1981)

• Generation Y (Born 1982-today)

Digital Harassment

• Things a person wouldn’t do or say face-to-face are done via technology without a second thought

• Use care with:– Email and instant messaging– Forums, discussion boards and

blogs– Social networking sites– Photo and video sharing– Text messaging

Avoid Digital Harassment

• Read your message before sending or posting it

• Don’t upload anything you wouldn’t want your IT department to see

• Remember technology leaves a record, even if deleted

• Posting a harassing comment after hours or on personal equipment can still be considered harassment

• Guard your passwords and personal information

• Keep a record of any harassing materials you receive

If You Are Being Harassed

• If you can, talk directly to the offender

• Be specific

• Ask offender to stop

• Involve your supervisor or HR as necessary

• Follow organization grievance procedures; utilize compliance department, legal or a hotline

If You Think You Have Harassed Someone

• Think before you speak

• Apologize if you think you offended

• Don’t repeat the behavior

Summary

• Understand the two types of harassment

• Be aware of how your behavior affects others

• Avoid joking about sensitive topics

• Use technology with care

• Speak up when you are harassed or witness harassment