Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: What You Can Do
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- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: What You Can Do
September 21, 2022
The news that the NBA has suspended Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Robert Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million after an investigation found that he had engaged in “workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies” has triggered a larger discussion about the issue of harassment in the workplace – particularly sexual harassment, and just how prevalent it is.
Sarver stands accused of using demeaning language toward his female employees, and of allegedly making inappropriate comments and jokes about sex and anatomy, according to local Phoenix, Arizona outlet KTVK 3TV and KPHO CBS 5 News.
How Common is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
This type of harassment is more common than many may think. More than 6,500 sexual harassment claims were filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in FY 2020 – down from a high of more than 7,600 in 2018, but still worryingly frequent.
Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and “other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” are considered sexual harassment, according to the EEOC, when that conduct impacts an individual’s employment, “unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance,” or creates a hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment can happen to people of any sex, and a victim can be anyone impacted by the offensive conduct.
Workplaces should have a process in place to report sexual harassment and employers should take immediate action when a complaint is made. But if you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment, it is also a good idea to speak with a legal expert.
Phillips Law Group’s own Meral Kocak spoke with KTVK 3TV/KPHO and said workplace harassment is very common. She noted that employees should report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable – and quickly.
“You only have about six months to file if you want to take your case to court,” she explained.
“Otherwise, you basically lose your claim.”
“Anything that you say to an attorney is confidential and you shouldn’t be afraid to speak out,” she added.
For more information on this type of discrimination, please see the EEOC’s Fact Sheet.
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Liz Gonzales was great!!!!
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I’ve been working at Phillips Law Group for nearly four years and I can confidently say this is the best personal injury firm in Arizona to work for. The firm is the best for numerous reasons but to start, Phillips Law Group gives employees opportunities for promotions and growth. I started working within the settlement department, moved to a paralegal assistant and grew to be a pre-litigation paralegal with my own case load. Each attorney I have worked for is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk to. Secondly, I love how Phillips Law shows appreciation for employees. They host Friday Zoom Huddles giving out PTO, goodie bags, special shout outs, bonuses and gift cards. They also host extravagant holiday parties and fun contests during the Holidays! Lastly, the firm cares about giving back to the community, which is a trait I value as well. It’s rewarding to see a fast paced firm taking time out of their busy day to pay it forward. I would highly recommend working at Phillips Law Group!
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Many companies talk about teamwork but few practice it. Many companies talk about an employee friendly environment but few actually provide it. At Phillips Law Group the foundation of our success is making sure we work as a team and that we work in an environment that allows everyone to thrive and be at their best every day. Our firm understands that in order for the client to have a great experience the people responsible for that client’s case must be given all the necessary tools and encouragement to make that happen. That’s the Phillips Way. As a manager of this firm in charge of several employees as well as directly affecting the client’s experience I take tremendous pride in saying we live by these premises and we work hard to build on them and make them better every day. This is an amazing place because it has amazing people working here!
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Phillips is the best!! Love all that they do to give back to the community and how much they help those who are experiencing homelessness. ❤️
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Liz was great
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I tried a few previous law firms and none would take my car accident case with confidence they could get my anything. Phillips law group took my case and although it took around 4 years to get this case settled as I was in treatment, they never let up with insurance adjusters and they got me as much money as possible. They worked hard for me and advocated for me. Shoutout to key individuals who worked my case nonstop of the years, Robert Ross & Jasmine, you are AMAZING!
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The lawyers here are of top quality. Especially Trey Dayes, who was always respectful and hard-working.
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Jon Jamieson was amazing to work with . He came through with all of his promises.
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They knew exactly how to explain the case to me in a way that I would understand it. They gave me hope that my life wasn’t over.
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Great experience! Took care of pretty much everything, and I always felt like I want in good hands. Caroline Fa. was also a great help with everything. She always returned my calls and I never felt unheard. Even after my case she would still help me with my insurance documents.