EEOC Harassment Guidance Receives Much-Needed Update

By Michelle L. Covington

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently reported that between fiscal years 2012 and 2015, private sector charges of harassment increased to account for 30% of all charges of discrimination received by the EEOC.  These numbers indicate that harassment liability and prevention continue to be important.  The EEOC’s most recent guidance on harassment focused primarily on sexual harassment and vicarious employer liability for harassment by supervisors, both published in the 1990’s.

Although not yet in its finalized form, the 75-page proposed guidance indicates the enforcement priorities of the EEOC and gives some helpful explanations and examples for employers.

Here are some of the highlights from the proposed guidance: http://blog.hrusa.com/blog/eeoc-harassment-guidance-receives-much-needed-update/