What are my options if I feel harassed at work?
June 29, 2023 | Salo Law LLC
If you are feeling harassed in the workplace, it is critical to take appropriate steps to address the situation. Here are some actions you can consider:
Document, document, document! Documentation can be crucial in verifying the harassment you’ve experienced. Having a well documented record of the dates, times, locations, and details of each incident of harassment can go a long way in helping you explain what you’ve been experiencing. This can include noting what was said or done, the individuals involved, and what witnesses were present.
Inform yourself on the company’s harassment and discrimination policies. Familiarize yourself with your employer's policies regarding harassment and its procedures for reporting harassment. This information can often be found in a company’s employee handbook.
Talk to a supervisor or trusted coworker. Talking to a supervisor may provide support and guidance on how to handle the situation or assist in reporting the issue, and help ensure you are following the company’s protocols on how to report harassment.
Submit a complaint internally with the company. Follow your company's policies and procedures for reporting harassment to the company and provide a detailed account of the harassing incidents. This can often involve submitting a written complaint to the appropriate department or an individual designated for handling such matters, such as human resources, and providing any evidence or documentation you have gathered.
Talk with an employment lawyer. An employment attorney can assist you in understanding what to document, as well as how to report harassment or what to do if the employer does not adequately investigate or effectively address the harassment. An attorney can also provide guidance on your legal rights, potential courses of action, and any additional steps you may need to take to protect yourself.
Contact external agencies. In some cases, it may be necessary to report the harassment to external organizations, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI), within a legally specified date. These agencies can investigate complaints of workplace harassment and provide remedies or guidance.
Prioritize your safety and well-being. Consider seeking emotional support from professional counselors or trusted friends and family to cope with the emotional impact of harassment. If the harassment has made you too ill to work, you can also consider contacting your employer to inquire about taking a medical leave of absence.