Taking every possible step to stop sexual harassment.(Brief Article)

Formal policies, open-door environment can ease workers' comfort level

Despite widespread publicity, the number of workplace sexual harassment claims continues to rise at an alarming rate. Sexual harassment exists in all industries, at all levels of management. Businesses spend millions of dollars each year in verdicts, settlements, defense costs and avoidance programs.

Although many managers know that potential problems exist, they are uninformed as to how to prevent harassment from occurring, and how to respond to problems.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination outlawed by federal law, and is commonly defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which:

* Materially affects a term or condition of an individual's employment.

* Is used as a basis for decisions affecting the …