Fitness and Health
Sexual Harassment at Work: What to Do, What to Document, and the Deadlines That Matter
What should you do if you're being harassed at work? Write down what happened, report it using your company's process, and know your deadline. The EEOC says you generally have 180 calendar days to file a charge, extended to 300 days in places with a state or local agency that enforces a similar law. The law also protects you from being punished for reporting. Don't wait.
What the EEOC says to do
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's guidance: [1]
- If your employer has a policy, follow the steps in it. The policy should give you options for reporting, including filing a complaint.
- If there's no policy, talk to a supervisor: your own, the harasser's, or any supervisor in the organization. Explain what happened and ask for help.
- You are protected from retaliation. You have the right to report harassment, take part in an investigation or lawsuit, or oppose harassment without being punished for it.
- You can always file a charge with the EEOC. There are time limits (180 or 300 days depending on where you work), so contact the EEOC promptly. You can also meet with the EEOC to discuss your situation confidentially.
The deadline, explained
The EEOC says: [2]
- In general, you must file within 180 calendar days from the day the discrimination took place.
- That is extended to 300 calendar days if a state or local agency enforces a law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis.
- Weekends and holidays count, but if the deadline falls on one, you get until the next business day.
- Federal employees and job applicants have a different process.
Not sure how much time you have? The EEOC says to contact a field office as soon as possible. [2]
What harassment can look like
- Repeated comments about your body or clothes
- Unwanted touching, hugging, or brushing against you
- Sexual jokes, images, or messages
- Pressure for dates, or hints that your job depends on going along
- Comments that put women down as a group
- Retaliation after you said no or complained
The documentation checklist (original)
Start today. Keep it outside your work computer and work email.
- Date, time, place of each incident
- Exactly what was said or done, in quotes if you can
- Witnesses
- Screenshots of messages, with dates visible
- How you responded
- Who you told and when
- Any changes to your schedule, duties, reviews, or pay after you reported
Check whether you're allowed to forward or copy work files under your company's rules before moving them anywhere. Your own notes about your own experience are yours.
How to report (original script)
Put it in writing. Email works:
"I'm reporting conduct by [name] that I believe is sexual harassment. On [dates], [name] [describe]. I'd like this investigated and I'd like to know the next steps. Please confirm you've received this."
Keep a copy. Writing creates a record with a date.
If things change after you report
Watch for: being moved to worse shifts, left out of meetings, sudden bad reviews, demotion, or being fired. Document it. Retaliation is illegal on its own, even if the harassment claim isn't proven. [1]
Should you talk to a lawyer?
Many employment lawyers offer a free first consultation. It can help you understand your options and deadlines in your state. You don't need a lawyer to file with the EEOC. [1]
Common worries, answered (original)
"It's not bad enough." Write it down anyway. A pattern matters, and you decide what to do later.
"I don't want to get him fired." Reporting is about stopping the behavior. What happens next is your employer's job.
"I already left the job." You may still be able to file if you are within the deadline. [2]
"It was a client, not a coworker." Report it anyway. Your employer controls who you work with and can act.
Take care of yourself
Harassment wears you down. Tell one trusted person outside work. Keep your notes up to date so you don't have to replay everything from memory. Protect your sleep and your support network.
The bottom line
Document everything, report in writing, and know your deadline: 180 or 300 days depending on where you work. [2] The law protects you from retaliation. [1] Act early so your options stay open.