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How to Handle Workplace Harassment
Sumi Das: What should I do if I hear two employees making sexual or racial comments in the breakroom, but these employees don't report to me? Should I still take action?
David Goldman: I'm really glad you phrased it that way. Usually what I get is, what do I do if someone knocks on my door and complains? Your question is that much harder. Here's the thing. Even if they're not your employees, even if you just casually overhear it, you've got to treat it the same way as if it was a formal complaint.
Sumi Das: What if these comments that I've overheard have absolutely nothing to do with anyone or anything at work?
David Goldman: This may be one of the few cases where the legal term is actually helpful -- environmental harassment, hostile work environment harassment -- it's about the workplace environment. And so once you know it goes on, everything that happens after that fact can be imported to the company, and in truth, you can be legally responsible as well. Put the law aside for a moment. Just on a moral issue, do you want to be in a situation where you could have stopped something really bad from happening, and you didn't?
Sumi Das: Should I get HR involved, or would it be better if I just handled it myself?
David Goldman: I think if the issues really pertain to sensitive material -- race, religion, sex, things of that nature, get HR involved. As I said a moment ago, the company could be liable. Why make everything about what you did? Get your organization's resources involved.
Sumi Das: In summary.
David Goldman: Once you know about it, you own the problem. Think of it that way.
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