Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying:  A Costly Problem

Harassment, discrimination, and bullying on the job and in education are serious and complex issues. Tensions flare over inappropriate behaviors. Morale suffers. Absenteeism and turnover increase. Productivity wanes. And employers are caught in the middle of costly lawsuits.  Students grades suffer, lose friends, drop out of school, and self-esteem diminishes.

The amount of money paid out by employers as a result of harassment and discrimination has doubled in the last 5 years, and the number of complaints of harassment continues to increase every year.  This is not an issue that seems to be going away.  The average jury award in the US is a little under $2 million.  One fifth of jury awards top $1 million, and the average out-of-court settlement has reached $300,000.  Workplace bullying and harassment of other protected classes adds to the costs of this abusive behavior. The psychic costs of any protected class harassment play themselves out in the indirect costs of – absenteeism, turnover, and loss of productivity.

Schools are paying student plaintiffs in the millions of dollars in court cases, as well. 

Employers and Schools Have a Legal and Ethical Responsibility
The Supreme Court has ruled that employers are responsible for preventing supervisor harassment in the workplace, as well as intervening when the problem arises. The Supreme Court has ruled that schools are liable if they demonstrate deliberate indifference to students’ complaints of harassment. Both employers and schools must establish policies and procedures that address roles and responsibilities in dealing with incidents of harassment and discrimination.

Education is a Necessary Part of Prevention
In addition to establishing, disseminating, and communicating comprehensive policies, employers and schools need to educate employees and students on important topics such as defining harassment, maintaining a respectful work and school environment, differentiating between harassment and bullying, and complying with the law.

Investigations: A Critical Element
Properly investigating allegations of harassment and bullying is essential for ensuring a harmonious, discrimination-free workplace and school. Inadequate investigations can result in increased liability and further harassment and bullying.

Strauss Consulting Can Help
Dr. Susan Strauss, a nationally recognized expert in the field, provides customized services to help organizations create positive changes in their workplaces and schools. Susan works closely with clients to educate, develop policies, investigate incidents, and counsel repeat offenders, resulting in diminished harassment and more respectful work and school environments.

For information on consulting services and customized programs to fit your workplace or school, contact:

Susan Strauss RN Ed.D.
Phone: (952) 937-1991
fax: (952) 937-8558

Eden Prairie, MN
Email: Susan Strauss