What Do Business Owners Need to Know About Sexual Harassment?
"It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include 'sexual harassment' or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature."
The complete definition of sexual harassment can be found here at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
#MeToo and #TimesUp
The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements are hashtags used by celebrities, victims, and supporters on social media to express solidarity on combating sexual harassment or systemic sexism in the workplace.
Employers are witnessing a transformation in culture and understandably want to make sure they're in compliance and respectful of all their employees.
Why This Matters to Employers
There have been a lot of claims and lawsuits being filed as women have gained their voice.
“Liability insurance for small businesses is a lot more affordable than owners realize. They often feel a sense of relief and have a better understanding after we have a quick chat.”
Options to reduce costly unplanned expenses could include:
- Updating your Employee Handbook with an HR specialist.
- Secure Business Liability Coverage especially if it includes employment liability insurance which most business policies do NOT cover.
- Purchasing a policy specifically to cover losses due to employee lawsuits for sexual harassment, called EPLI (Employee Practice Liability Insurance).
- Change the culture of the company so that it increases awareness of inappropriate behavior.
With this coverage, the policies would apply to all directors and officers of the company, management personnel, and employees.
EPLI can be purchased as stand-alone coverage or as part of a management liability package policy.