Unit 3: Employability

Lesson 6: Sexual Behavior in the Workplace

OBJECTIVES

1. Define sexual harassment.

2. Identify ways to keep from sexually harassing a co-worker.

3. Identify ways to handle a situation in which a co-worker is sexually harassing you.

4. Identify at least one other issue related to sexual behavior in the workplace.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
What is Sexual Harassment? – A $89 video from The Learning Seed Company (1800 634-4941).

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT
This lesson will provide information on the importance of keeping sexual behavior out of the workplace. Sexual harassment will be the focus of this lesson, but there is other important information to discuss with students about their behavior at work as it relates to sexuality.

1. Discuss sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment is defined as any behavior that is sexual in nature (using bad language, making comments about a person's private parts, telling dirty jokes, hugging, kissing, touching, etc.) that is directed toward a co-worker, and causes an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Talk to students about two basic types of harassment. The first is where a supervisor makes job decisions based on an employee's willingness to be involved in a sexual relationship. For example, if a boss promotes women who sleep with him and does not promote women who do not sleep with him, he could be guilty of sexual harassment. A second type of harassment is where a co-worker engages in sexual behavior that makes another person feel uncomfortable. If Jack approaches Jill and tells a dirty joke that makes Jill feel uncomfortable, Jack could be guilty of sexual harassment.
   
   

2. Discuss how to avoid sexually harassing a co-worker.
   
   

   • If you are a supervisor, do not engage in any relationship with co-workers other than a professional one.

   • Do not use offensive language at work.

   • Do not tell dirty jokes at work.

   • Do not bring sexually related items (pornographic magazines, gag gifts, lingerie, etc.) to work.

   • Handshakes are OK. Any other physical touch could be considered harassment.

   • If someone tells you that you have just done something that bothered them, do not do that behavior any more.
     
     

3. Discuss what to do if you feel like you are being sexually harassed.
   
   

   • Tell the harasser to stop. It is suggested that students practice telling a harasser "no." The harasser should be played by the trainer, and he or she should make comments to the student such as "you are looking sexy in that dress," "how would you like to come over to my place tonight and help me with my love-life," and "you look tense, how about a back-rub?" Responses from students can range from "no" to "I do not think that is appropriate behavior for the workplace. Please stop."
     
     

   • Try to keep a written record of what the harasser has done. Suggest to students who may have difficulty with written communication to tell people close to them about what is going on at work.
     
     

   • Learn the sexual harassment policy at work. Follow the procedure exactly as written. If the harasser does not stop, you may have to talk to that person's supervisor.
     
     

   • If you have followed the company's procedure on stopping sexual harassment and it still has not stopped, contact a lawyer (see lesson titled Hiring a Lawyer).
     
     

4. Discuss dating in the workplace. Many people find their future spouses at work. However, it is important that students understand the following things about dating in the workplace.
   
   

   • Learn the company policy regarding dating in the workplace.
     
     

   • Do not think of the workplace as the best place to pick up dates. If you do, you may end up spending more of your time asking people out than working.
     
     

   • If you ask someone out and they turn you down, take no for an answer. Repeatedly asking someone out could constitute sexual harassment.
     
     

   • If you are dating someone at work, do not display affection at work. Kissing, hugging, petting, etc. is inappropriate in the workplace (even in the janitor's closet).
     
     

   • Keep in mind two major problems with dating someone with whom you work. First, spending time with that person at work and during free time can put a strain on a relationship. No matter how much you like a person, everyone needs a break from one another. The second problem occurs if you break-up. This can make it uncomfortable at work.
     
     

5. Discuss the importance of keeping personal-relationship issues at home. It is inappropriate to discuss marital problems, details of a sexual encounter, or other intimate details of one's personal life at work. Talking about personal issues can make people feel uncomfortable and be distracting in the work environment.
   
   

6. Discuss appropriate dress in the workplace. Most companies have a dress code that makes it clear what is appropriate dress. However, remind students that clothing that reveals or calls attention to a person's private areas or clothing that has sexually provocative phrases or symbols is inappropriate in most places of business. Review the lesson titled "Proper Attire" in the Employability unit for further instruction.
   

SIGNS OF GENERALIZATION
Students are neither perpetrators nor victims of sexual harassment. If either does occur, they understand the steps to resolve the problems. They understand other sexually related issues in the workplace. If they date in the workplace, they handle themselves appropriately. They can identify when co-workers are acting inappropriately at work.

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