Business Strategies: Sexual Harassment Includes...

SCOTSDALE, Ariz. - As sex becomes more ingrained in our society, it also seeps into the workplace. Now more than ever, employers must be cognizant of the implications of sexual harassment - and they must understand that harassment is asexual, stressed Jean Seawright Pileggi, president of the management consulting firm, Seawright & Associates, Winter Park, Fla. Women, men, clients, employees - anyone can be a victim, and companies are responsible for their employees' behavior.

The days of hear no evil, see no evil are over. Company owners do not need to witness the harassment to be held responsible - or to pay the legal consequences. To prevent harassment in the workplace, companies should make sure employees understand harassment and take steps to eliminate it. Here, Seawright Pileggi offers a list of actions considered sexual harassment:

· Actual or attempted rape or assault
· Sexual pictures or objects and internet displays
· Unwanted deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering or pinching
· Unwanted sexual looks or gestures
· Unwanted letters, e-mails, telephone calls or materials of a sexual nature
· Unwanted pressure for dates
· Unwanted sexual teasing, jokes, remarks or questions
· Making sexual gestures with hands or through body movements
· Cat calls, kissing sounds, howling and smacking lips
· Turning work discussions to sexual topics or sexual comments
· Asking about sexual fantasies, preference or history
· Personal questions about social or sexual life
· Telling lie or spreading rumors about a person's personal sex life
· Giving personal gifts
· Touching or rubbing oneself sexually around another person
· Looking a person up and down (elevator eyes) or staring at someone
· Facial expressions, winking, throwing kisses, whistling, licking lips

Here are some ways to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, Seawright Pileggi suggested:

· Establish a uniform work relationship with all employees. Favoritism can lead to hostile work environment claims.
· Follow all fair employment practices at all times.
· Keep all relationships on a professional level.
· Communicate your policy against harassment to all employees.
· Become aware of how your actions are interpreted by others.
· Develop the ability to read people and assess their behavior.
· Use appropriate settings when conducting meetings outside the workplace.
· Know the warning signals associated with sexual harassment.
· Take all complaints of harassment seriously and investigate thoroughly and promptly.
· Call a professional for assistance and guidance whenever you receive a complaint of harassment.
· Set a good example by communicating with employees in a professional manner. Do not tolerate sexual jokes, language or comments; internet displays; or inappropriate touching.