Advertisement

What should I do if I witness sexual harassment at work? Ask HR

Often when we think of sexual harassment in the workplace, we think of the victim reporting the behavior, but witnesses and bystanders also play a pivotal role.
Often when we think of sexual harassment in the workplace, we think of the victim reporting the behavior, but witnesses and bystanders also play a pivotal role.

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor's answers below have been edited for length and clarity.

Have a question? Do you have an HR or work-related question you’d like me to answer? Submit it here.

Question: I work as an account manager for a marketing services company. A liaison for one of our clients has made multiple, inappropriate sexual comments about one of my co-workers. The liaison made some comments without her knowledge, but he has recently made them directly to her. I am unsure of the best way to handle this. Should I report the behavior to our HR department or someone on the client side? – Kamar

Answer: First, I am sorry you had to witness this kind of inappropriate behavior. However, I commend you for recognizing that this behavior is not fit for the workplace and seeking to assist your co-worker. Often when we think of sexual harassment in the workplace, we think of the victim reporting the behavior, but witnesses and bystanders also play a pivotal role. Understandably, your co-worker should not be subject to sexual harassment, but you and your other colleagues should not be subject to such behavior either, even as bystanders. All employees deserve a workplace free from hostility and toxicity.

Policy can't magically solve all of our workplace problems. Workers need to tend to behavioral boundaries in their workplaces as well. If you feel comfortable, you may want to speak directly to the liaison and say that the behavior is highly inappropriate and makes you and others feel uncomfortable. Try to keep your comments to the point while maintaining your composure.

Also, check in with your co-worker and see how she's doing. Be empathetic to her situation and ask how you can support her. It may be as simple as providing a witness statement about the incidents or accompanying her to report the behavior to your Human Resources department.

HR can't be everywhere; nor do they see everything happening in the workplace. Ultimately, they need workers' help in protecting the workspace. It is best practice to speak with your employer's HR department as they are typically the point of contact for company policy. Be sure to include as many relevant details as possible such as when the incidents happened and who was present. Your HR department will be able to take the next steps and speak to the parties involved. HR may alert relevant management and consider if any adjustments to the workplace or interactions with the client should be made.

I applaud you for seeing that action needs to be taken. I am certain your colleagues and employer will appreciate you for reporting the client's behavior.

Work benefits: Can an employer offer different plans based on employment-based classifications? Ask HR

Stay-at-home parent?: How to ease reentry to the workforce by staying relevant: Ask HR

I submitted Family and Medical Leave Act paperwork to my HR department, which they approved. Because I felt it was sensitive information, I did not give the paperwork to my manager. I went directly to HR. I later found out that someone in the HR Department told my manager the details of my condition. Can HR give confidential information to my manager? – Naomi

HR can share some information about an employee's leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, but there are limits to what details they can provide. Generally, personal information is only communicated on a need-to-know basis so a manager can make necessary accommodations or adjustments to work assignments.

When your absence is approved, HR is permitted to tell your manager that you will be out on leave for a certain number of hours, days, or weeks, depending on if it is continuous or intermittent leave. Understandably, HR would need to share this information to assist with scheduling and help your manager plan for coverage during your absence.

And when you return from aFamily and Medical Leave Act absence, HR can inform your manager about any work restrictions or accommodations required to perform your job. For example, you may need light duty, which means you might not be able to lift heavy objects, stand for extended periods, or you will need work in an alternative capacity.

Additionally, HR can reveal relevant details about your medical condition to the manager if your manager is also responsible for first aid and safety. In such a case, HR may share the information, as needed, when your physical or medical condition requires emergency treatment.

Outside of an investigation of compliance by government officials and the exceptions I have outlined, Family and Medical Leave Act paperwork and related medical certifications should be kept confidential. I encourage you to speak to your HR representative about your concerns.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to report sexual harassment in the workplace as a witness: Ask HR