\r\n The staggering number of public figures falling from grace along with an increase in the number of lawsuits and complaints filed (up 50% and 13%, respectively, in 2018 per the EEOC<\/a>) indicates that harassment is, unfortunately, alive and well throughout American workplaces. \r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n Though much has been written about how to stop harassment, many small business owners may not be aware of the impact harassment \u2013 sexual or otherwise \u2013 can have on their businesses. Possible consequences include:\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n Morale decline. \r\n <\/strong>\r\n When someone is subjected to harassment, the emotional impact is significant. And if the issue isn\u2019t reported and continues, the victim often becomes negative. Depending on the offense and what level of the organization it comes from, the victim may not share the situation out of fear of retribution. What makes morale even worse is when other employees are aware that harassment occurs consistently with no retribution. And when management turns a blind eye to an offender because they are a top producer, morale often plummets further and productivity suffers.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n \r\n Absenteeism. \r\n <\/strong>\r\n When employees begin missing work to avoid harassment, the impact has a cascading effect. First, there is productivity loss from the absent individual, followed by the impact on other employees who may have to cover for an unexpected absence. If this becomes a pattern, it further impacts morale and productivity. \r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n \r\n Turnover increase. \r\n <\/strong>\r\n If your business doesn\u2019t address harassment, you run the risk of losing valuable employees \u2013 both the victims of harassment and those who don\u2019t want to work in an environment where management doesn\u2019t confront issues immediately or, worse, protects a harasser. \r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n \r\n Reputation damage. \r\n <\/strong>\r\n Lawsuits are on the rise as more and more people step forward with their harassment stories. Even if you can survive the cost of defending your business, being associated with a harassment lawsuit can irreparably damage your reputation.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n \r\n Financial strain. \r\n <\/strong>\r\n When sexual harassment lawsuits are filed, the legal costs can impact both the individual who perpetrated the offense (loss of job and career self-sabotage) as well as the business \u2013 especially if it\u2019s determined it did little or nothing to discourage harassment or address an issue once it was presented. \r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n As an employer, one of the best statements you can make to your employees is that you take your responsibility very seriously to create safe working conditions where no form of harassment is tolerated. Create a culture of caring about employee well-being and you have a much better chance of attracting quality employees and keeping them longer.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n Your goal is to get everyone in your organization to understand what harassment is, why it\u2019s not tolerated and what the consequences are for those who don\u2019t follow the rules. Only then will you create the safe environment employees desire and deserve.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n Educating employees and managers is a critical first step in eliminating undesirable behavior. The Harassment Training Smart App<\/a> is an ideal resource to help small businesses inform staff about typical workplace harassment concerns. The app allows managers to provide in-person training so they can host discussions about harassment or they can assign training modules to employees to complete individually. \r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n![](\"https:\/\/www.hrdirectapps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/hrdirectapps\/images\/smart-tip.jpg\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n Are You Cultivating a Culture of Fear or Comfort?\r\n<\/h2>\r\n