Total Articles: 12
5 signs that you'll lose your sexual harassment case
Last week, I was pretty hard on Herman Cain and his response to allegations of sexual harassment. Since then, two women have come forward publicly, and all I can do is quote from my partner John Doyle:
"A closed mouth gathers no feet": What Herman Cain teaches employers about sexual harassment
OK, I do have an opinion, but I'm going to keep it to myself until we get more specifics.
Harassment – Aren't Employees Smart Enough to Know Better?
Some employers mistakenly believe that harassment was a problem in the 1990's and supervisors and employees now know better. They are wrong. Contrary to popular belief, harassment is not a thing of the past – and the evidence shows that some employees don't know better.
Accused of sexual harassment? That's bad, but don't make it worse.
Two cheers for DSK. Let's start with the (relatively) positive. From a criminal standpoint, DSK is looking better by the minute, and his accuser is looking worse.
5 signs that your sexual harassment case may be a dog
Between "Weinergate," the indictment of John Edwards, and the relatively old news about Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Arnold Schwarzenegger, it is obvious that issues related to sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, are not going away. How can you, as an employer, know when a sexual harassment case is a "dog"? Here are five signs that you might want to answer "yes, please, and thank you, Sir!" when you get that EEOC request to mediate.
WORKPLACE HARASSMENT AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT.
A client asks what to do about an employee who is sending out global emails to the entire workforce, which contain rants against workplace diversity, cultures other than European, etc. The employee maintains he has a right under the First Amendment to issue such emails. But the other employees are offended and registering complaints under the "zero tolerance" harassment policy.
First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes Flex-Time and a Baby Carriage.
The trial in a class-action lawsuit alleging that Novartis Pharmaceuticals practiced sex discrimination against female employees has begun in a federal court in New York. The class of plaintiffs includes more than 5,600 saleswomen, who are seeking $200 million in damages. According to the New York Times, the suit alleges discriminatory pay and promotions targeting women, particularly pregnant ones.
Smart Human Tricks—Saving Your Company Millions in Potential Liability with Harassment and Fraternization Policies.
The back-story behind the attempted extortion of David Letterman features behavior of the sort that keeps legal counsel and compliance officers awake at night. Admitted extortionist, Joe Halderman, crafted a story that depicts Letterman, the Worldwide Pants, Inc. Chairman, as head of an organization with a culture that fosters workplace sexual misconduct and career advancement tied to sexual relationships. Notwithstanding the veracity of Halderman's story, it presents the quintessential case of poor management behavior that puts any company at risk. The behavior of top management can foster an organizational culture acceptant of a hostile working environment, setting the stage for liability that is anything but funny. Building an effective compliance program and culture within your organization prevents your late show from developing into a veritable horror show. In light of the potential consequences, reigning in executive management may be the smartest trick of all.
Weird Sexual Harassment Cases In the News.
Two high-profile sexual-harassment cases are in the news. One is just beginning, the other has come to a close.
Do Love Contracts At Work Make Sense? Documenting Voluntary Employee Romances.
"Love contract," is the common phrase that refers to a written confirmation that two employees' romantic relationship is voluntary, and that they both understand and know how to use employer policies that deal with harassment in the workplace.
What to Do When Your “Star Physician” Is Accused of Sexual Harassment.
Every Tuesday night, millions of Americans watch the primetime hit show House, which follows an abusive but brilliant doctor in his shocking escapades with patients and staff, while the hospital ignores his behavior. Although the show is fictional, the doctor’s misadventures are based in reality.
Physicians, whether they are employees or independent contractors, generate significant income for the hospitals and health care facilities where they work. This sometimes, unfortunately, means that their bad behavior is tolerated and condoned by hospitals and other health care providers – even when it constitutes illegal harassment.
Playing Favorites -- Romantic or Otherwise -- Is a Messy Game in the Workplace.
The fact that favoritism in the workplace exists is not news, but in high-profile cases, it often makes the news. Two years ago, for example, Harry C. Stonecipher was forced to resign the presidency of aerospace giant Boeing over a relationship with a Boeing executive. This spring, World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz had to resign after being accused of arranging a big raise and promotion for a woman with whom he was having a relationship.
