Protecting Against Unwanted Sexual Advances at Work
The definition of a workplace might seem relatively simple – the office, the work site, the place where you carry out your duties of employment. Yet a recent finding of the Full Federal Court has affirmed one judge’s ruling that the workplace can quite often extend beyond the four walls concept. It follows (as the majority of judges in this case recognised) that unlawful behaviour such as sexual harassment can occur within unconventional ‘workplace’ circumstances and venues.
Can a nearby pub be a ‘workplace’?
The case in question – Vergara v Ewin – involved unwanted sexual advances from a male contractor towards a female supervisor. Some of these occurred in the regular workplace, while other behaviour took place in venues that might ordinarily be considered off-site. One such place was a pub called the Waterside Hotel, in Melbourne’s CBD. The respondent stated that she moved a discussion about the unwanted advances out of the ‘regular’ office to the nearby pub, in order to feel safe with the applicant. She and the applicant had been alone at the office, and she wanted to continue the work-related discussion near other people. This became one of the harassment sites.
A question arose as to whether the Waterside Hotel could realistically be considered a workplace under s28B of the Sexual Discrimination Act, as in force in 2009. Firstly, the parties were found to be ‘workplace participants’ for the purposes of the Act, although the appellant was a contractor.
From there, the full court found that the pub was indeed a workplace in accordance with s28B(7): “A place at which a workplace participant works or otherwise carries out functions in connection with being a workplace participant.”
In continuing to discuss the workplace harassment question, the parties were found to be carrying on the necessary work-related function while at the hotel.
Important lessons to be learned
The decision in this case raises important points for all workplace participants, whether they are employees or contractors. Unfortunately the scourge of sexual harassment continues to exist, and it is important to think through the potential situations that you may find yourself in if you are managing unwanted sexual advances from a colleague. Following a few simple guidelines can help you to protect yourself:
- Be clear
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid being alone
- Report your concerns
Be clear
In this case, while the court agreed that the purpose of the meeting in the Waterside Hotel was to discuss the harassment, clearly this wasn’t understood by the applicant. If you choose to address unwanted sexual advances with the person involved, be careful that your actions can’t be taken as a green light. Keep the discussion at the office, keep it professional, and make sure you are within sight of your colleagues during the discussion.
Alcohol and sexual harassment are not a good mix
Work drinks are a common form of team bonding in many work places, but it’s wise to understand the increased risks of alcohol consumption in terms of lowering inhibitions. Thinking of letting your hair down with your workmates once you’ve moved discussions to the local pub? It certainly might pay to think twice about this.
Being alone means being vulnerable
Make sure you don’t find yourself in a situation where you are alone with the person who is making unwanted advances toward you. The presence of another colleague is often enough to deter harassment.
Report the situation
Even if you want to handle the situation yourself initially, it’s important to report your concerns to a third party, and make it known to the person involved that you have done so.
It pays to take heed of the dangers that can present themselves, both in the ordinary office setting and wherever ‘workplace participants’ are carrying out work ‘functions’. .
Education and vigilance
Employers must also continue to be vigilant in maintaining a safe environment for all people under their occupational control. Just confining the focus of anti-harassment measures to the four walls of your office environment might not be sufficient. Considering the growing fluidity of employment, all engagements between participants both on and off-site have the potential to create unfortunate scenarios. .
Education is essential – whether engaging employees, temps or contractors, employers should ensure that a zero-tolerance approach towards sexual harassment and other misconduct is conveyed from day one. Training, regular updates and modelling best practices can all assist in developing workplaces where safety and respect are core objectives. Off or on-site, this case demonstrates the significant problems that arise where unfortunate behaviour occurs between colleagues
