How to Avoid a Sexual Harassment Claim

As a manager you are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment claims. Sometimes innocent behavior with no intent can get you in hot water. The work world is a minefield of legal trouble for a manager and sexual harassment is one of the most dangerous parts of management. Minimize your chances of making a mistake by avoiding the following situations.

Avoid Compromising Situations

This is just like it sounds. Avoid situations with members of your team that could be misconstrued by others or could lead to a misunderstanding with the person you are meeting with. If you are meeting with a member of the opposite sex in the workplace try to meet during business hours and in an area where you can be seen by others. If you are meeting in your office keep the blinds open so you are viewable by the rest of the office. Avoid meetings at bars or restaurants unless others are present. If you are on a road trip, never meet in a hotel room. In these situations, it's better to meet in a public place.

Avoid Nicknames and Inappropriate Labels

The words sweetie, cutie, hunk and girls should be avoided at all costs. They label a person with a title that they may see as demeaning. You may mean nothing but affection with the term, but to the employee it can be seen as discrimination. They feel like they are being treated differently than their coworkers and that their contribution in the workplace is less than that of others.

Make Objective Staff Decisions

From interviewing and performance appraisals to promotions and terminations your decisions as a manager have to be completely objective. Do everything possible to leave personal feelings out of every decision. Always ask yourself if you are using a stereotype or a bias.

As a manager Sexual Harassment is a legal minefield, however with a little of planning and careful thought you can avoid situations that might lead to a misunderstanding.