How to prevent harassment in the workplace

We all know from childhood how to behave with others who sticks in the street. You can run away, ask for help, or better yet - not initially roam the dark alleys and deserted dead end. And what to do if someone sticks on the job? "Help!" Do not scream, purse abuser also not stuknesh. And there will be no one to pester so openly and brazenly. On the other hand, can not be ignored like that.

Find the line where sexual harassment begins, it is very difficult. Someone finds manifestation of attention from colleagues usual compliments, albeit slightly lacking over the edge, and someone seriously offended. So before you put an end to harassment, to make sure that this is it. After all, you might just bump into a person with a primitive sense of humor.

Step 0. no reason

How to prevent harassment in the workplace

The right to a manifestation of female sexuality - a complicated question, which for many years trying to solve the fighters for women's equality. But in the case with the work of this issue can be resolved clearly - according to business etiquette and sexuality at work is not a place. It is a code of ethics, and not the denial of rights requires employees not to wear clothes and not calling to share in the collective personal life details. By the way, these rules apply to employees of either sex. So if someone from male colleagues come to work in terrible mantle-shirt, then you have the right to make a remark to him. Although unlikely, it would be really sexy.

Some of the possible abuse can be suppressed in the bud simply by observing the rules of decency teamwork. Examine closely the business etiquette, because in addition to the dress code it contains many other useful tips. For example, a rule not to accept gifts from unreasonable manager or not to meet with a colleague of the opposite sex tete-a-tete in a time off, even for an innocent walk.

Step 1: heart to heart conversation

Most harassment at work can prevent ordinary conversation. To begin, gently but firmly hint person that you do not accept such a manner of communication. If you are uncomfortable hug when greeting or other violations of personal space, offer to replace them with more neutral ritual - such as shaking hands or playfully fold his hands in the east salute.

If we translate everything into a joke failed, it is the latest "soft" step. Tell us what you do not need a relationship, because you already have a boyfriend. If he really is, ask them to pick you up from work, but if not, the guy can play the role of a brother, other relative or a good friend.

When even the existence of a relationship or family does not stop the busybody, the softness will have to be discarded.

tell me directly and without equivocation, that you regard everything that happens not as flirtation and harassment as the present, and it is unpleasant to you. Almost all conflicts are drying up at this stage, if not before, as people who are capable of harassment, are not always ready to direct rebuff, preferring to play and hints. That the failure did not sound rude and not offended boss or colleague with whom you still work and work, be sure to tell us that you appreciate his professional qualities and are sure that small spat will not prevent the worker process. This will protect you from possible "revenge on the little things."

Step 2: The best defense - the attack

How to prevent harassment in the workplace

If you talk to the person solicited to nothing led up to you, then it is time for decisive action. Warn abyuzera that you are willing to endure dirty linen in public and publicly condemn his conduct. Gather evidence, such as screenshots of correspondence, sms or voice records. They can not be one hundred percent real evidence of guilt, but it is very important for the belief of others. In that case, if the case goes to court, your colleagues probably remember many favors you. This means that they will be able to testify.

It is much easier to do this if you stick to a colleague. In this case, there are specific regulations in the labor law. For the lack of direct harassment is responsible head of department, so that it is enough to him to complain that the problem was solved. It is possible that in this case some of you will be transferred to another department. Do not respond to such a complaint to the head are not allowed. In addition, if you tell colleagues about such a "lousy sheep" in the working team, that work together with all abyuzeru be unbearable.

Difficult when your tormentor is a leader. Go to the higher management is possible only with compelling evidence, or even better - with the testimony of witnesses. It is likely that even in this case, management did not want to mess with the problems of the department and offer to resolve the matter in court.

Step 3. Legal proceedings

In the case of harassment colleagues deal unlikely to reach court, but in a complex relationship with the head - can. Get ready for what will have to be persistent, as such cases are treated with reluctance and decided on mixed. Resist the temptation to let things take their course. Once you have collected the evidence base and interviewed colleagues, whether they can be witnesses, it is necessary to write a statement to the police. Most likely, it will not give you anything - unfortunately, it's true. However, in this case, the important fact of having signed the statement, as well as intimidation of a person who is causing you so much inconvenience. So you can show that are serious and will fight to the end to defend their rights.

Further, there are several choices of events.

If the chief harasses you, do not use their official position, it would be best to start looking for a new job.

Even if you achieve his conviction, the work under his leadership would be sheer torture for both of you. And whether work is needed with the "professional"?

If he forces you to "money", that is threatening to fire, spoil the work book, give bad advice, deny premiums or salary, it is necessary to apply to the Labor Code. Quite simply, when you work completely formal. In this case, the head can not do anything against you without hard evidence of the need for such measures. Any sanctions and illegal actions can be challenged in the State Labor Inspectorate and in parallel to sue. Such claims are not even subject to state duty.

Another thing, if the work is a "gray" or informal. In this case too it is possible to apply, however, to prove something will be much more difficult for the State Labor Inspectorate. Dismiss simply because you are still not able to, and financial losses can be avoided, if you move to a new job. Do not be afraid of threats nachalnika- "tyrant" or a business owner to ruin your career history: the only thing they can do in this case - to deceive the calculation. For this version, unfortunately, always have to be ready from the start, as soon as you arrive at the informal work. But in your power will publish honest reviews about like a businessman on the Internet. In this age of fast information and a thorough cross-checking, they can have a significant impact on potential partners and customers a dishonest person.