What Do Complainants Want?

Many complaints that are filed with civil-rights agencies like the EEOC can be prevented by a prompt and sensitive response.  Most complainants just want the harassment to stop.  The rising number of complaints filed with state and federal civil rights agencies is the result of employers’ failure to take action. 

It is interesting to note that the majority of people who have been harassed quit or transfer out of the offensive work environment.  Simply stated, the best means of dealing with harassment is to prevent it from happening.

Prevention begins with education and an attitude that harassment, in any form, will not be tolerated.  When incidents occur, however, managers should respond promptly and with sensitivity.