Employees may spend time together outside of work. In many instances, what employees do off the job is of no concern to the employer. However, when workers engage in harassment or discrimination, even while off-the-clock, employees and employers may face consequences...
Sexual Harassment
What are the harassment prevention training requirements in New York?
New York state laws dictate specific requirements for providing sexual harassment prevention training to people who work in the state. Parties who violate these laws – intentionally or not – can face serious repercussions. Therefore, knowing what the rules require is...
It’s complicated: Navigating workplace relationships
A survey from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) revealed that roughly one-third of people were involved in a romantic relationship last year. Finding love at work is certainly not uncommon, but these relationships can still trigger legal and...
Harassment at work: when should I speak up?
A hostile work environment can take away all the enthusiasm you have for your job. You might have continually heard offensive comments made by your coworkers or supervisor against you. Still, you do not know whether that is reason enough to file a legal claim against...
Bill to protect New York government aids from sexual harassment advances
A bill that would expand the anti-sexual harassment protection for government workers in New York recently passed the state Senate. If it becomes law, the bill would close a key loophole in the existing statute to protect those employees who work most closely with...
Study: Many who report workplace harassment face retaliation
In the three years since the #MeToo movement began in October of 2017, there's been heightened awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace and an increased willingness by victims to file complaints. However, a new study finds that approximately 75% of employees...
Understanding the impact of quid pro quo sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is a widespread yet increasingly reported occurrence in the workplace. While many victims of sexual harassment never report their abuse, the 'me too' movement and growing awareness has motivated many victims to step forward. Sexual harassment comes...
Ex-TV host’s case yet another example of the ongoing issue of workplace sexual harassment
The recent case of former Public Broadcasting Service host Tavis Smiley, whose television show was suspended nearly three years ago after allegations of sexual misconduct, reflects the reality that some people in positions of authority wield their power in order to...
4 Reasons women don’t report sexual harassment
If you are a woman in the workforce, chances are that you or someone you've worked with has been or will be a victim of sexual harassment. According to a 2016 study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), one in four women will experience sexual...
NY court refuses to enforce arbitration clause in sexual harassment case
Shocking allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the workplace created the #MeToo movement, raising collective consciousness of this all-too-common phenomenon. Historically, many victims have been prevented from getting justice due to the...
