In Los Angeles workplaces, sexual harassment is an unfortunate reality, impacting employees of all gender and sexual identities on a daily basis. In California, more than 5,000 workers file a claim for workplace sexual harassment each year with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), while hundreds more file claims for workplace sexual harassment with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). The thousands of individuals who come forward make up a small fraction of those who experience workplace harassment; the EEOC has projected that only around 10% of incidents of workplace harassment and assault are formally reported.
Sexual harassment at work is detrimental to everyone involved, including the targets of the harassment, the witnesses or coworkers subject to the hostile environment, and the employers or companies themselves. In order to create safe, comfortable, and productive work environments, it is vital to advocate against sexual harassment. Everyone is better off in a workplace free of harassment.
Navruz Avloni is an experienced California employment attorney dedicated to advocating for victims of workplace sexual harassment in Los Angeles, and determined to holding bad acting employers accountable. If you are experiencing harassment in the workplace or looking for a sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles, reach out to Avloni Law.
What is Workplace Sexual Harassment
Workplace sexual harassment is considered to be verbal or physical conduct that is sexual in nature or that is motivated by an employee’s sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. While certain demographic groups experience harassment at higher rates, anyone, regardless of sex or gender, can be the victim of unwanted harassment. Similarly, anyone, regardless of sex or gender, can perpetrate sexual harassment. Harassment can be verbal, written in the form of emails or text messages, physical, or through a third party, and can occur at work or outside of work.
Hostile work environment harassment refers to sexual harassment that is severe or pervasive, so as to create a hostile workplace and interfere with an employee’s work. Harassment is considered severe if it is egregious to the point that one occurrence of the harassing behavior makes the environment hostile. Harassment is considered pervasive if it occurs repeatedly, so as to create a hostile workplace environment. Harassing conduct may include unwanted sexual advances, sexual comments, lewd and offensive comments, sexual assault, physical conduct of a sexual nature, innuendos.
Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment occurs when participation in a sexual behavior is represented as a condition of employment. For example, a supervisor suggesting that you may receive a promotion if you go on a date with them, or a manager telling you that they will hire you in exchange for a sexual favor, are both considered illegal quid pro quo harassment. One event of explicit or implied quid pro quo harassment is unlawful.
If you work remotely in Los Angeles, you may experience sexual harassment in a remote office space. Although you have less in person interaction with coworkers, the legal definitions and standards for proving sexual harassment remain the same.
Legal Protections Against Harassment and Retaliation at Work
Federal, California, and local Los Angeles employment law prohibits workplace sexual harassment.
Los Angeles employers are responsible for creating a work environment free of sexual harassment. Employers can be held accountable for workplace sexual harassment at work if a supervisor or manager is a harasser. Employers can also be held accountable for failing to prevent sexual harassment if they are aware of harassing conduct by a coworker, customer, or client, and they do not take necessary steps to prevent the harassment from continuing.
Anti-retaliation laws protect employees who report sexual harassment at work. Employers may not retaliate against workers who make a complaint of sexual harassment, resist sexual harassment in the workplace, or participate as a witness in a sexual harassment complaint.
Impacts of Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles Workplaces
Sexual harassment at work creates serious harm. Targets of workplace sexual harassment frequently experience mental harm including anxiety, depression, sadness, and low self-esteem. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that physical and mental wellbeing are inextricably linked; victims of harassment may experience physical symptoms such as sickness or weakened immune system, changes in appetite and body weight, migraines, and difficulty sleeping.
Targets of workplace sexual harassment often also suffer financially as a result of the harassment. Studies have shown that well over 50% of women who experience sexual harassment in the workplace leave their jobs within a two-year window, changing their career trajectory and financial plans. Victims of sexual harassment who do not elect to leave their jobs may experience other financial losses due to retaliation, forced transfer, termination, or the loss of credibility and reputation in their workplace or industry.
Workplace sexual harassment also negatively affects the atmosphere of the workplace and may harm the employer. When it comes to productivity, everyone is negatively affected by workplace sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace can lead to tension, low morale, gossip, absenteeism, increased employee turnover, and general lack of productivity. Not only does this hurt each employee, but it can negatively impact business performance, business reputation, and success rates. Sexual harassment in the workplace also opens employers up to a number of negative consequences including costly lawsuits, employee turnover, and reputational harm.
How We Can Build Safer Workplaces in Los Angeles
It is critical that employers in Los Angeles take necessary steps to proactively prevent harassment. Employers should explicitly spell out their anti-harassment policy in a company handbook or other company materials. Providing annual anti-harassment trainings for employees is a helpful tool in limiting incidents of sexual harassment at work.
Even if an employer takes proactive steps to limit harassment, harassment may still occur. It is key that employers create safe work environments where employees feel comfortable coming forward knowing that their complaints will be taken seriously. Coming forward as an employee can be incredibly difficult; victims of workplace sexual harassment in Los Angeles face numerous societal and professional barriers that make it hard to speak up. Employers should take steps to ensure that employees know how to report harassment, who to report it to, and feel comfortable reporting the harassment without fear of retaliation. It is important that employers respond to complaints of sexual harassment quickly and effectively by opening an investigation into the complaint, and taking appropriate action to address the complaint if it is found to be legitimate.
Reach Out to A Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Attorney
Reach out to a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney. At any point in this process, whether you are currently experiencing harassment, have reported harassment to your employer, filed a charge of harassment with the EEOC or DFEH, an attorney will be able to help you navigate this process and advocate for you. Navruz Avloni is an employment attorney dedicated to fighting for your right to a workplace free of unlawful sexual harassment. Click here schedule a free consultation with Navruz Avloni.
