Employers in Texas and elsewhere are supposed to promote a tolerant and inclusive workplace. However, it’s not uncommon for workers to experience instances of sexual harassment or other types of unwelcome behavior. Although companies are supposed to take allegations of misconduct seriously, many cases go unreported because workers don’t trust that this will happen.
Abusers may be superiors
As you may imagine, it may be uncomfortable to accuse your manager of sexual harassment or other types of misconduct. This is because that person may have the power to reduce your hours, take away prime assignments or terminate your employment. It’s important to note that companies are not allowed to retaliate against those who file workplace discrimination and harassment complaints. However, it doesn’t mean that a supervisor couldn’t attempt to make your life difficult enough to contemplate dropping your complaint or leaving the company.
No one wants the difficult label
Those who pursue claims of workplace misconduct may be labeled difficult to work with. This label may make it harder for individuals to advance within a company, and it may also make it harder to advance within an industry as people routinely talk to their peers from other organizations. Therefore, those who are victims of improper behavior may feel it’s easier to ignore what happened as opposed to potentially jeopardizing their careers.
If you are a victim of workplace harassment, you may have grounds to take legal action against your employer. Depending on the facts of your case, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) may help you obtain a favorable outcome in your case. If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to a financial award reimbursing you for lost wages or other damages related to the defendant’s irresponsible behavior.