Harassment Prevention: Protecting Your Business and Yourself in the #MeToo Era- Morning Session

The #MeToo movement started a national conversation about workplace conduct, and we’re now seeing hard evidence that harassment claims are on the rise. Preliminary data provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shows a significant increase in the number of sexual harassment charges filed, and a big increase in the number of harassment lawsuits in general.  In addition to the legal risks, harassment claims are bad for business. Last year brought calls to boycott Uber and Nike over harassment issues, driven largely by social media campaigns. Other companies—such as Wynn Resorts—saw a negative impact on stock prices following public allegations against owners or executives. The reputational damage caused by harassment claims can be long-lasting and costly.
In this scenario-packed session, Stuart Jackson of Wright Lindsey Jennings will discuss:

• What is and is not “actionable” harassment (and why you should be concerned with both types);
• Best practices for businesses to follow to avoid harassment claims or lawsuits;
• The important role supervisors and managers play; and
• The danger to employers from retaliation claims – even when the underlying claim of harassment is found to be without merit.