The State of New Jersey paid millions in harassment claims in 2012
Information about the harm and illegality of sexual harassment in the workplace has never been clearer to employers and employees. Recent strides in employee training and awareness has made it known that sexual harassment in the workplace is not appropriate. Still, businesses continue to pay out millions to settle harassment claims yearly.
May 10, 2013
The State of New Jersey paid millions in harassment claims in 2012Article provided by Mark Law Firm, LLC
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Information about the harm and illegality of sexual harassment in the workplace has never been clearer to employers and employees. Recent strides in employee training and awareness has made it known that sexual harassment in the workplace is not appropriate. Still, businesses across the state -- and state agencies themselves -- continue to pay out millions to settle harassment claims yearly.
For example, the New Jersey Department of Corrections last year paid out $415,000 to a female instructor who alleged she was subjected to inappropriate touching, gender discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation while at work. The worker alleged there were offensive sexual cadences during training, name calling and other behaviors that constituted a hostile work environment.
The case is unfortunately common in New Jersey. The New Jersey Civil Service Commission reports that from 2006 until the end of 2012, state employees filed nearly 1,000 complaints claiming sexual harassment of some type. Many claims are settled out of court; many of the settlements include the provision that the state agency is not admitting guilt. New Jersey state agencies do not comment on disciplinary action or educational materials they use regarding employees accused of sexual harassment. Many of the employees accused of sexual harassment continue to work for the state in the same jobs they had when the claims arose.
Of course sexual harassment is not limited to state employers and employees. Sexual harassment has been illegal for decades in the private sector as well.
Harassment is serious
The problem of sexual harassment continues despite efforts to curb the practice. One estimate by University of Maine Sociologist Amy Blackstone holds that as many as 70 percent of women and 45 percent of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Of those only a fraction file a claim for sexual harassment.
A workplace culture that allows sexual harassment decreases productivity and negatively affects workers. But an employee who experiences sexual harassment does not just suffer at work. Employees who are the victim of sexual harassment can also potentially face several negative health impacts from the experience, including:
-Depression
-Post-traumatic stress disorder
-High blood pressure
-Sleep disturbances
-Stress-related aches and pains, including back and neck problems
Sexual harassment includes quid pro quo harassment, meaning an employer asks for sexual favors as a condition of employment. This can be an implicit offer; the employer does not have to state the proposal directly. Sexual harassment can also include having a hostile workplace. This can occur when an employee is subject to sexual, abusive, or offensive conduct based on gender.
An employment law attorney can help
Employees suffering from sexual harassment need not do so in silence. Filing a claim for sexual harassment creates a better workplace for everyone and helps to protect future employees. Employers are forbidden by law to retaliateagainst an employee who brings a sexual harassment claim. Employees cannot be fired for bringing a sexual harassment claim. Victims of sexual harassment should contact an experienced employment law attorney to protect their rights.