Many workplaces provide plenty of opportunities for after-work socialization among employees. It may even be strongly encouraged. If the boss offers to take everyone out for drinks after a particularly stressful week, employees often feel compelled to participate.
As we get toward the end of the year, a lot of companies are already planning their holiday parties. Even if they have other things they’d rather be doing, many employees feel it’s in their best interests to make an appearance and socialize with those higher up on the corporate food chain.
It’s at these social events that sexual harassment (and even assault in some cases) often occurs. The combination of alcohol, a more relaxed atmosphere, more revealing clothing and a new environment can cause some people to act in a way they wouldn’t in the workplace or during “office hours.”
The rules don’t change when employees are off-site
What’s important to know is that employees are required to abide by the same policies prohibiting sexual harassment (and discriminatory behavior) as they would in the workplace. That means employees have the right to report inappropriate behavior – and their employer has an obligation to investigate it and take any warranted disciplinary action.
Businesses and organizations of all sizes should be aware of their responsibilities for employee behavior at these gatherings. In fact, many companies no longer have offsite holiday gatherings out of fear of legal consequences (both for employee misbehavior and drunk driving accidents). Many of those that do have them don’t provide free alcohol.
What should you do if you’ve been harassed?
If you’ve been harassed or assaulted by another employee or even your boss during an off-site event (whether during a Happy Hour, convention, company party or softball game), you can and should report it to your human resources department or (if there isn’t one) to a manager.
It’s important to know your rights – even if your employer doesn’t. You have the right to be safe at these gatherings. You also have the right to report wrongful behavior and expect a thorough investigation. Further, you have the right not to be subjected to retaliation of any kind for reporting it. If these rights aren’t protected, it may be wise to get legal guidance.