Focus on sexual harrasment

FLOOD OF ACCUSATIONS WILL HAVE LASTING EFFECTS

MAY HAVE SOME UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

The daily revelations of sexual harassment claims has reached every aspect of American life. While this is an issue that is overdue in being addressed, the problems may not be that easy to solve.

First, somewhere there needs to be a clear definition of what constitutes sexual harassment. Most would assume that any unwanted physical contact is definitely out of bounds. When you get to some other things that are not that obvious, it may a little more difficult to define.

I do not doubt that sexual harassment is real and an issue that is overdue in being addressed. We also know that due to the possibility of large financial settlements and the possibility of a political or vindictive motive it is not always clear what is the truth.

You can expect that due to the monetary aspects of these accusations, business is going to change many aspects of business life. This may very well bleed into every profession that has interaction between men and women. This may be similar to the practice that has long been a part of the medical profession, by always having a third party present in situations were questions could be raised.

There may very well be policies adopted that forbid any situation were men and women are in a private setting. There may have to be a third party present in all situations. This will protect both parties. It should be effective at preventing opportunities for harassment. The days of private conferences with the boss may be over. It also may be necessary to record all communications. 

There very well may be polices adopted to forbid any private communication or contact while on company time. Only communication that is focused on business will be allowed.

This may be an overreaction, but with the situation now that any accusations may lead to the end of a career, steps will  need to be taken to protect oneself.

Vice-President Pence was made fun of and criticized when he stated that he never places himself in a private situation with any women other than his wife. He may find that he has set a standard for all politicians of the future.

Ultimately those subject to harassment will need to make most of changes needed. It is unlikely that the government or third parties can police private behavior. Anyone who have a harassment problem should shout it out immediately, not 20 years later. If everyone who feels threatened faced the issue immediately, harassment problems would end. If someone is touched inappropriately in public drawing immediate attention to the incident should solve this problem.

Everyone understands that people often don't take action due to embarrassment, fear of repercussions in their job, or fear of being put under scrutiny themselves. This is the opportunity to solve this problem.

While the flood of accusations make it appear that every man is harassing women on the job, it should be stressed that that really is not the case.  It is really just those with an adolescent view of relating with the opposite sex.

With the spotlight now being placed on these issues we can predict that the workplace of the future may very well be a very different place.