Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
As an employee, you should be aware that your employer cannot treat you unfavorably on the basis of your gender. If you think your employer is singling you out based on your gender and/or your connection with an organization or group that is typically associated with people of a certain gender, it would be wise to explore your right to address gender discrimination.
In an employment setting, gender discrimination occurs when one employee is treated unfavorably and differently than a similarly situated employee. The different treatment could occur in any aspect of your employment, including but not limited to, hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, or benefits. Additionally, an overall policy that applies to everyone may still be discriminatory on the basis of gender if it has a negative effect on a certain gender and is not related to the job at hand or essential to business operations.
It is also illegal for your employer to harass you based on your gender. Verbal or physical harassment, questions or requests, unwelcome advances, and offensive comments about gender in general should not be tolerated. Such conduct may be considered sexual harassment and/or may create a hostile work environment. Whether a single incident or series of incidents, any victim or potential victim of sexual harassment should know his or her rights. Potential victims of sexual harassment, verbal harassment or physical harassment include both men and women. Anyone can be a victim of harassment.
Although the law may not be able to protect you from all hurtful comments, it is illegal for employers to conduct or allow frequent and/or severe behavior that results in a hostile work environment. If you feel that your work environment is offensive or you have been subject to a demotion or termination as a result of reporting harassment, it is always a good idea to consult an attorney to investigate your situation. Negative treatment or behavior that has risen to a serious level is stressful in any work environment and should be addressed. Remember that harassment can come in many forms and can be done by a supervisor, co-worker, or customer.
In an employment setting, gender discrimination occurs when one employee is treated unfavorably and differently than a similarly situated employee. The different treatment could occur in any aspect of your employment, including but not limited to, hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, or benefits. Additionally, an overall policy that applies to everyone may still be discriminatory on the basis of gender if it has a negative effect on a certain gender and is not related to the job at hand or essential to business operations.
It is also illegal for your employer to harass you based on your gender. Verbal or physical harassment, questions or requests, unwelcome advances, and offensive comments about gender in general should not be tolerated. Such conduct may be considered sexual harassment and/or may create a hostile work environment. Whether a single incident or series of incidents, any victim or potential victim of sexual harassment should know his or her rights. Potential victims of sexual harassment, verbal harassment or physical harassment include both men and women. Anyone can be a victim of harassment.
Although the law may not be able to protect you from all hurtful comments, it is illegal for employers to conduct or allow frequent and/or severe behavior that results in a hostile work environment. If you feel that your work environment is offensive or you have been subject to a demotion or termination as a result of reporting harassment, it is always a good idea to consult an attorney to investigate your situation. Negative treatment or behavior that has risen to a serious level is stressful in any work environment and should be addressed. Remember that harassment can come in many forms and can be done by a supervisor, co-worker, or customer.