Author: Rhonda Goetz
Harassment by Non-employees falls under the Hostile Environment category of the federal law that governs harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, and sex. Businesses are required to comply with both federal and state laws governing harassment and discrimination.
Hard to believe, but yes the government expects you to protect your employees from outside harassment. Harassment by Non-employees is exactly what it sounds like.
Employees, who are harassed by customers, vendors, temp workers, outside contractors, etc. still retain their rights to a harassment-free workplace.
As an employer, you cannot disregard the situation. The courts have upheld your responsibility in this area.
Remember: an employer must investigate and respond appropriately to the allegation even if it appears trivial or contrived.
It is also in the employer’s best interest to take some action whether the claim has substance or not. Document the incident, require additional training, etc.
Court Case
In California, a plaintiff filed a non-employee s.exual harassment claim because her employer, International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), pressured her to resume a sexual relationship with a Defense Department official who had the authority to award IBM millions of dollars in project funding.
Award: $65,000 in monetary damages
Protect your business from this type of harassment. Make sure your employees are well-trained in harassment and discrimination prevention and awareness.
Rhonda Goetz
Chrome Zebra, Inc.
Helping Employers Prevent Harassment and Discrimination Lawsuits
866.241.9927
Online Human Resource Training
Rhonda Goetz is the owner and CEO of Chrome Zebra. She also is an authorized harassment and discrimination trainer and online instructional designer.
Her online courses provide businesses with an alternate training method that saves time and money. Employees train at their desks or workstations, and can train anytime. Businesses no longer have to lose production time to large training seminars, or hire expensive consultants or be locked into a set training schedule. Online training is cost-effective as well; per employee cost is approximately $25 or less for each employee.
