Harassment and discrimination are illegal and may occur in any organization.  When reported, these violations can easily result in punitive legal, monetary, emotional, reputational, and business damages.  Most business owners believe that this sort damaging behavior would never occur in their organization.  Moreover, almost no employee intentionally disrupts his or her workplace through such illegal behavior.  Discrimination and harassment, however, still occur because people are often unaware the law’s specifics and the consequences of their actions.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] harassment and discrimination complaints, cost US companies $372.3 million in 2013.  That figure rose $6.7 million from 2012.  When the word harassment is mentioned, many think of sexual harassment.  However, harassment and discrimination come in many forms that are both subtle and blatant. 

The boundary between illegality and simply bad behavior can be razor thin.  The laws have changed.  Are you and your organization in compliance?  Does everyone in your organization understand the laws and their role in maintaining a safe and productive work environment?  Why risk an expensive lawsuit or settlement?