Sexual Harassment Policy – (sample)
Note: This is a sample policy. Every employer should review all formal policies with counsel to assure conformance with all relevant legislation.
Sample Policy on Sexual and other forms of Workplace Harassment
Sexual harassment is illegal and against the policies of {company name.}
Sexual harassment involves:
- Making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature a condition of employment
- Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for employment decisions
- Creating an intimidating, offensive, or hostile working environment by such conduct
The following are examples of sexual harassment:
- Verbal: Sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, insults, threats, jokes about gender-specific traits, or sexual propositions
- Nonverbal: Making suggestive or insulting noises, leering, whistling, or making obscene gestures
- Physical: Touching, pinching, brushing up against, coercing sexual intercourse, or assault
Any employee who believes he or she has been subject to sexual harassment should report the alleged conduct to his or her supervisor or Human Resources immediately. A written complaint form will be completed, signed by the complainant and a confidential investigation of any complaint will be undertaken immediately.
Any employee found by the organization to have sexually harassed another employee will be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination.
The organization recognizes that the issue of whether sexual harassment has occurred requires a factual determination based on all the evidence received. The company also recognizes that false accusations of sexual harassment can have serious effects on innocent men and women. We trust that all employees will continue to act in a responsible and professional manner to establish a pleasant working environment free of harassment, discrimination and intimidation.
It is also company policy that harassment of employees on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, handicap, medical condition, disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation and gender is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Any individual who feels that he or she has been the subject of any of the forms of harassment listed above has the obligation to notify the Human Resources department, his or her supervisor or any other officer of the company immediately. A prompt investigation of the matter will be made. All employees – whether complainant, witness or accused – are required to be truthful, accurate and cooperative during the company investigation.
Retaliating or otherwise discriminating against the complainant or witnesses for reporting alleged sexual or other harassment is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
This policy also applies to company functions and/or sponsored events held off premises.
This policy applies to all employees. Harassment in all forms will not be tolerated, whether initiated by company employees (including supervisors and management), customers, vendors or other third parties with whom the company has official business dealings.