WEBVTT 00:00:04.217 --> 00:00:06.443 Now you know what to look for and guard against, 00:00:06.453 --> 00:00:08.693 next you need to turn knowledge into action. 00:00:08.921 --> 00:00:11.090 The first action you can take is to make sure 00:00:11.101 --> 00:00:13.571 you help create a respectful workplace 00:00:13.582 --> 00:00:16.396 by following the law and your organization's rules. 00:00:16.546 --> 00:00:18.976 Ask yourself, am I doing anything that could be seen 00:00:18.987 --> 00:00:22.177 as discriminatory harassment by a reasonable person? 00:00:22.273 --> 00:00:25.646 Am I treating people the way they want to be treated with respect? 00:00:25.899 --> 00:00:28.632 Putting ourselves in someone else's shoes is not easy, 00:00:28.643 --> 00:00:30.643 but it's necessary to be a good manager. 00:00:31.871 --> 00:00:34.584 Are you treating some people differently than others? 00:00:35.045 --> 00:00:36.584 The second action you can take 00:00:36.595 --> 00:00:39.865 is to make sure your organization's rules and procedures are followed. 00:00:39.999 --> 00:00:42.107 That means making sure everyone is aware 00:00:42.118 --> 00:00:44.427 of the prohibited conduct and consequences. 00:00:44.890 --> 00:00:48.521 It also means you need to be aware of what's going on in your work area. 00:00:48.703 --> 00:00:52.927 Are any employees teasing or joking in a way that might go over the line? 00:00:53.124 --> 00:00:55.576 Do their coworkers seem put off by the behavior, 00:00:55.586 --> 00:00:58.123 but seem unable or unwilling to say anything? 00:00:58.258 --> 00:01:00.326 If so, you have to do something. 00:01:00.523 --> 00:01:04.170 Remember, you have a responsibility to the entire workforce. 00:01:04.366 --> 00:01:06.935 If you know, or should have known, about harassment 00:01:06.946 --> 00:01:10.232 and do nothing to stop it, you could very well be liable 00:01:10.243 --> 00:01:12.201 if the action ever goes to court. 00:01:13.335 --> 00:01:16.857 Action three is to listen to every complaint and then report it. 00:01:16.969 --> 00:01:20.310 No exceptions. When someone complains, be empathetic. 00:01:20.507 --> 00:01:21.560 Take it seriously. 00:01:21.773 --> 00:01:25.997 Don't dismiss a complaint as frivolous or as someone being overly sensitive. 00:01:26.126 --> 00:01:27.778 Let an expert decide. 00:01:27.991 --> 00:01:30.309 Be sure your report protects privacy interests 00:01:30.320 --> 00:01:33.669 of both the alleged victim and the offender as much as possible. 00:01:33.744 --> 00:01:36.247 Your goal should be immediate and appropriate prevention 00:01:36.258 --> 00:01:37.419 or corrective action. 00:01:37.507 --> 00:01:40.903 And of course, don't retaliate against someone for making a complaint. 00:01:41.644 --> 00:01:44.513 Action four, document your actions. 00:01:44.779 --> 00:01:48.841 Be sure you document your findings without bias to one party or the other. 00:01:48.976 --> 00:01:52.074 Take careful notes during all interviews on the who, 00:01:52.085 --> 00:01:55.177 what, where, when, and how of the incident, 00:01:55.187 --> 00:01:58.317 then call human resources or your legal department. 00:01:58.826 --> 00:02:01.387 Make sure that incidents are reported through channels 00:02:01.398 --> 00:02:03.552 so management has a record of the complaint 00:02:03.562 --> 00:02:06.271 and can recognize and prevent any patterns of behavior 00:02:06.282 --> 00:02:07.536 that may be developing. 00:02:09.544 --> 00:02:12.146 And if you've got an issue, you're not sure how to deal with, 00:02:12.173 --> 00:02:15.614 get help from your human resources department or legal counsel. 00:02:15.905 --> 00:02:19.340 Dealing effectively with complaints of discriminatory harassment 00:02:19.351 --> 00:02:21.865 is one of the most important tasks you face. 00:02:22.109 --> 00:02:24.388 By being aware of some of the pitfalls to avoid 00:02:24.399 --> 00:02:26.804 and taking action- every day- towards prevention, 00:02:26.815 --> 00:02:28.000 you can make a difference. 00:02:28.137 --> 00:02:31.782 Everyone in your organization deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. 00:02:31.864 --> 00:02:34.579 By paying attention to what's going on in your workplace, 00:02:34.589 --> 00:02:37.204 you can create that respect filled environment 00:02:37.214 --> 00:02:39.594 and help keep your organization out of court.