Editor’s Note

As per Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency charged with enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws, while the overall complaints are down, sexual harassment complaints and retaliation claims have increased in 2018. EEOC received 7,609 sexual harassment charges – a 13.6% increase from 2017 –and won nearly $70 million for victims of sexual harassment.

 

This raises the question - how should an employer identify and prevent harassment in the modern workplace? Read this month’s cover article by Jen Cornell, The #MeToo Movement Aftermath, to learn the best practices to keep hostile incidents happening at work at bay.

It also highlights the importance of top leadership's, specifically white male leadership, commitment to a harassment-free workplace and will help you understand how to build a workplace culture that de-emphasizes alcohol during holiday parties, after-work happy hour, and out-of-town business trips. Also, learn how to avoid backlashes, to be more accountable to such complaints and work towards a safer workplace environment.
      
There is no doubt that the #MeToo movement has seen positive impacts on work environments across the globe. Hence, isn’t it the apt time to re-examine your workplace policies and processes? Rebecca B. DeCook’s article, Impact Of The #MeToo Movement On Employers, highlights how employers can address the unintended consequences and produce a positive change.
 
Also, read Pamela Williams’ article, 12-Step Plan To Help Navigate OSHA’s Continued Focus On Workplace Violence, to strengthen your workplace violence prevention program.
 
This is not all! This month’s issue of HR Legal & Compliance Excellence is packed with top insights on identifying, preventing, and handling workplace sexual harassment. Stay compliant. Stay safe.