Stopping Sexual Harassment
Taking Harassment Seriously
Gretchen Carlson's whistleblowing on workplace sexual harassment sparked a transformative journey for justice, highlighting the need for multifaceted solutions—including legal reforms, education, and organizational culture shifts—to effectively combat harassment and improve women's lives and corporate outcomes.
Getting Rid of Forced Arbitration Clauses—What Individuals and Organizations Need to Know
Tens of millions of American employees face "forced arbitration" clauses in their contracts, which silence sexual harassment claims and protect perpetrators, prompting advocates like Gretchen Carlson to call for federal legislation to eliminate these clauses and promote workplace accountability.
Recognizing Different Forms of Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment lawsuits primarily involve clear, overt acts, yet misconceptions about false accusations persist; legally recognized forms include quid pro quo harassment, which is objective, and hostile work environments, which can be subjective, necessitating focused policy development to address both.
A Course of Action for Victims
In a professional landscape that often neglects women's advocacy, Gretchen Carlson emphasizes the importance of having a proactive plan against workplace sexual harassment, which includes documenting incidents, consulting a lawyer, gathering witnesses, and understanding state laws on recording.
A Message for Bystanders and Enablers
Sexual harassment thrives in a culture sustained by bystanders and enablers; those who witness harassment must support victims and confront abusers to foster a safer environment.
Strategies for Transformational Leaders
To combat workplace sexual harassment, companies must prioritize elevating women into leadership roles, fostering a culture of accountability, ensuring safe reporting mechanisms, and providing comprehensive in-person training that empowers bystanders to act against misconduct.
Anyone invested in improving women’s lives needs to tackle the problem of sexual harassment. Journalist and advocate Gretchen Carlson uses her experience as a victim and advocate as a template to help organizations end this form of workplace discrimination.