If the topic of sexual harassment hasn’t come up in your office – either on Slack, in conversations over lunch, or by the watercooler — I’d be surprised. With the ongoing #metoo campaign and the almost daily headlines about men accused of harassing their coworkers, this subject is top of mind for many of us. But these conversations are tricky. You may be — understandably — nervous about how to handle the subject if (when) it comes up. So is it better to steer clear altogether? Or can you have a thoughtful, productive discussion? And when you do engage, how do you respond to someone who says something you find insensitive or offensive?
How to Talk About Sexual Harassment with Your Coworkers
It’s a conversation you shouldn’t avoid.
December 11, 2017
Summary.
Sexual harassment can be difficult to talk about — but it’s bound to come up in your workplace (if it hasn’t already). In this piece, several experts offer practical tips for handling these delicate conversations. Their advice includes knowing what you want to achieve from such a discussion, considering carefully whether to share personal stories, having some language ready for certain tricky topics, and forgiving conversational missteps. While conversations about harassment will often be uncomfortable, these guidelines will empower you transform a tough subject into a thoughtful, productive discussion.
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New!
HBR Learning
Difficult Interactions Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Difficult Interactions. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to resolve those inevitable workplace conflicts.