Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace: Predictive measures every employer must have

Patricia Prezioso, Chair of the Sills Cummis Employment and Labor Practice Group, was interviewed for an article that covers strategies for employers to prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace, including employers’ responsibilities, employee handbooks, and handling complaints.

As seen in the article: “‘There is an obligation on all New Jersey employers to protect their employees under the law,’ notes Patti Prezioso, chair, Employment and Labor Practice at Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. ‘This includes having a workplace that’s free of harassment and discrimination. It’s a serious obligation and takes shape in many forms including training, policies, and handbooks as well as enforcement.’”

The article later discusses employee handbooks. According to Prezioso, “Everybody has their special sauce for how they do employee handbooks. I think the most important aspect is to be clear and overt [regarding] how these complaints should be reported and be escalated.”

The article also discusses handling complaints: “‘It’s always a difficult situation when there’s an active complaint because people are used to working together,’ Prezioso suggests. ‘Both the victim of discrimination as well as the person who is the object of the complaint will be uncomfortable.’ Prezioso stresses that it’s important for employers to neutralize the situation. ‘That means making sure the person who complained is safe, and supervisors listen with an open mind to the complaint,’ she notes.”