A new HR tip posted online this week as part of the CalChamber #RespectWorks campaign underscores the importance of preventing harassment in the workplace.
The monthly HR tips and related resources at respectworks.calchamber.com aim to help employers determine what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace and to maintain an anti-harassment environment.
Not All Harassment Is Sexual
The June tip appears under the heading “Not All Harassment Is Sexual.” It points out that sexually harassing conduct “can include hostile behavior toward someone based on that person’s gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or childbirth and breastfeeding.”
The tip explains that “Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct regardless of the harasser’s or victim’s gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.”
Also prohibited is harassment based on protected categories, such as race, national origin, age, disability and religion, to name a few.
In closing, the tip advises: “We should all be respectful of one another, no matter our race, religion, sex, gender, etc. We’re all human, after all, and #RespectWorks.”
More Tips, Resources
The CalChamber launched the #RespectWorks campaign in April to encourage companies to promote inclusiveness and prevent harassment in their workplaces. The benefits of a harassment-free workplace go beyond just employee morale at the office. Harassment-free workplaces have higher retention rates, enable employers to recruit and hire the most qualified workers, and help those workers be more productive and successful.
The first monthly tip of the campaign provided information about California’s new mandatory sexual harassment and abusive conduct prevention training for both supervisors and employees that must be completed by January 1, 2020.
The second monthly tip pointed out that the law requires all California employers to develop and distribute a written harassment, discrimination and retaliation prevent policy, and explained the 10 requirements that must be a part of that policy.
In addition to the monthly tips, other anti-harassment resources available at no cost on the website include:
• Sample harassment discrimination and retaliation prevention policy;
• Harassment prevention policy implementation checklist; and
• #RespectWorks poster suitable for display in the office.
The #RespectWorks campaign has gained traction with a number of early signers committing to a harassment-free workplace. Among those early supporters are Blue Diamond Growers, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company, Evans Hotels, Sacramento River Cats and AT&T.
To join the campaign in support of a harassment-free workplace, visit respectworks.calchamber.com.
