Over 53 charges of sexual harassment are filed with
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission every business day. What have you done to prevent sexual harassment in your workplace?Among myriad subjects now commonly addressed in employee training is harassment. Sexual harassment, as well as age, disability and race discrimination, are among types of harassment employees experience in workplace.
But it wasn't until early 1990s that sexual harassment and discrimination training became a higher priority for companies large and small.
During Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings in 1991, sexual harassment was brought to forefront when Thomas was accused of harassing an employee, Anita Hill. This was a wake-up call for companies.
Harassment and discrimination of all types can hurt businesses. According to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), in past 10 years, average jury verdict in a case of sexual harassment was $250,000, not including legal fees, court costs and punitive damages, making it most expensive harassment complaint. With such significant jury verdicts, companies have to take issue seriously.
In years since Thomas case, companies, especially large companies, have been preparing more effectively to defend themselves against claims of sexual and other types of harassment in workplace.
