310-776-3590
At Mehtani Law Offices, P.C., our Beverly Hills employment law attorneys know that when California workers are subjected to sexual harassment, their personal and professional lives are profoundly impacted going forward.
Sexual harassment can encompass unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, and other behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating environment.
The physical, emotional, and psychological effects sexual harassment has on its victims, their coworkers, and the workforce are overwhelming. Our Los Angeles County employment law attorneys can help you put these events behind you so you can confidently move forward.
Here, we discuss California employers’ role in preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace, along with steps employees can take if they experience harassment.
What are California Employers’ Responsibilities to Prevent and Address Sexual Harassment?
In California, employers must take active steps to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.
That includes:
- Policy Implementation
Employers must establish and distribute a written anti-harassment policy outlining the company’s stance against sexual harassment, the complaint process, and the consequences for violating the policy.
- Training
California law mandates that employers with five or more employees provide sexual harassment prevention training to all supervisory and nonsupervisory employees every two years. New hires must receive training within six months of employment.
- Prompt Investigations
When a sexual harassment complaint is lodged, employers must conduct thorough and timely investigations into the allegations. The analysis should be impartial and confidential, with appropriate corrective action taken if necessary.
- Prevention
Employers must take proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment, including fostering a culture of respect, ensuring a transparent reporting process, and promptly addressing inappropriate behavior.
In addition, employers cannot retaliate against employees who report or participate in investigations of sexual harassment. Retaliation violates the law and can result in further legal action.
What are California Employees’ Workplace Rights to Counter Sexual Harassment?
Employees have the right to work in an environment free from such behavior.
That includes:
- Right to a Safe Workplace
Employees have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment. If they experience or witness such behavior, they can report it without fear of retaliation.
- Access to Training
Employees can receive sexual harassment prevention training. If not provided by their employer, they can report the absence of activity to appropriate authorities.
- Confidentiality
Employees who report sexual harassment have the right to confidentiality to the extent possible during investigations. Their privacy should be respected throughout the process.
- Protection Against Retaliation
Employees who come forward with complaints are protected against retaliation, including adverse actions such as demotion, termination, or negative shifts in job responsibilities.
- Legal Recourse
If the employer fails to address sexual harassment complaints appropriately, employees can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or take legal action against the employer. We can help with both.
Contact Our Trusted Sexual Harassment Attorneys in Beverly Hills, California Today
If you have been subjected to sexual harassment in the California workplace, contact our skilled employment lawyers in Beverly Hills at (310)-776-3590 at Mehtani Law Offices, P.C. to schedule a free consultation today to discuss your unique circumstances with a law firm that can help pursue real results for your case.