ADDRESSING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Despite widespread recognition of sexual harassment, businesses are still exhibiting a surprisingly indiscriminate attitude about the problem. When Inc. magazine recently surveyed business managers in 1992, for example, it found that 34% of companies said they had not even thought about formulating a written sexual harassment policy. Companies that want to manage their risk prudently must act before a problem occurs.

A basic policy should set forth the following:

• An sincere commitment to prevent sexual harassment;

• A definition of sexual harassment including both quid pro quo* and hostile work environment;

• An explanation of penalties (including termination) the employer will impose for substantiated sexual harassment conduct;

• A detailed outline of the grievance procedure employees should use;

• Additional resource available for consultation;

• A sincere commitment to keep all sexual harassment complaints and personnel actions confidential.