The following list is not all-inclusive but can help to identify some key strategies for preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.
- Supervisors must set the tone! Publicize the policy through regular meetings and training activities.
- Recognize your obligation to create and preserve a work environment free from sexual harassment.
- Monitor workplace behavior and enforce respect.
- Report the allegation. Treat all complaints seriously and confidentially. Do not ignore any allegation.
- Keep employees fully informed of their rights (i.e., "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law” poster from the U.S. Department of Labor (EEOC-P/E-1), DFEH poster, DFEH information sheet).
- Watch what you say. If a remark could be taken suggestively, keep it to yourself.
- Leave doors open or ajar when meeting with an employee, especially one on one.
- In situations where employee privacy is an issue, such as performance reviews, discussing promotions, or reprimanding an employee for poor performance, have someone else present in the room: your own supervisor or a representative from HR.
- Meeting in open or neutral spaces: the conference room with a glass wall, not the office with the drawn blinds.
- Shake hands; do not hug.
