Leaving But Not Losing

Innuendos, unwarranted attention, inappropriate touching, suggestive texts – sexual harassment is just part of another day on the job for some women.

“Once a woman is sexually harassed, her workplace becomes an unsafe environment for her,” says Jessica Miller, a former associate at a private equity firm.

She received unwelcome advances from a married, male superior.

In 2011, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported more than 9,000 sexual harassment cases filed by women.

“It is up to the woman to immediately take action to prevent this type of behavior from happening over and over again,” according to Miller.

For Miller, that meant leaving the company – quietly, without reporting to HR.

IMS Barter HR Manager Jennifer Weber supports taking a firm stand against your harasser but insists filing a formal complaint with HR is your best bet for action.

“It is always best to go to your immediate supervisor first, and then the HR department if the supervisor cannot handle the issue or the issue is with the supervisor.”

Jennifer McCollum, public relations professional and Oklahoma City NPR commentator, disagrees.

“[Encouragement from HR departments to report civil rights violations] should not necessarily be interpreted as a demonstration of support for the employee,” she says.

The law encourages companies to take steps to protect themselves from liability.

What can you do?

Try seeing this as a negotiable moment.

McCollum believes women with a case should seek legal counsel to avoid giving an “unfettered interview” without representation.

Simply saying, “Well, I talked to my attorney (even if you don’t have one),” gives you some leverage, says Suzanne Lucas, former HR executive and blogger, in Reader’s Digest’s “39 More Secrets Your HR Person Won’t Tell You.”

Like Miller, you may want to leave the company; but, you don’t have to go empty-handed.

In 2011, over $52 million was awarded to victims in non-litigated settlements filed with federal, state and local agencies.

Bonus PINK Link: Is It Ever OK to Date Your Boss?

Have you ever felt uncomfortable taking an issue to HR?

By Alison Richter

“Women have been trained to speak softly and carry a lipstick. Those days are over.” Bella Abzug