Anti-Harassment Training - Skillsoft Course Transcript

Skillsoft Course Transcript https://library.skillport.com/courseware/Content/cca/lch_01_a18...
Course Transcript
Preventing Harassment in the Global

Workplace Employee Edition
Course Overview
Read the Course Overview .
Acting with Respect

1. A Respectful Workplace
2. Demonstrating Respect
1 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Course Overview
As an employee, you should think of yourself as a "citizen" of the organization you work for. As
a citizen, you are deserving of respect and also expected to act respectfully toward other
"citizens."
Achieving a respectful workplace can be especially challenging when there is a geographically

diverse workforce. Inevitably there are fewer opportunities for face-to-face interactions when
coworkers are in far-flung offices, and as a consequence there may be more opportunities for
misunderstandings.
But the basic principles of respecting your fellow workers are the same whether your coworker
is in the next cubicle or on another continent.
Harassment is against the law in most countries around the world. Though the laws may differ
slightly in the details, they all aim to protect people from discrimination and harassment in the
workplace.
In order to ensure that employees follow the law, and to promote a professional work
environment, companies create and enforce policies that reflect the organization's values and
expectations for employee conduct.
As an employee, you should be familiar with your company's antiharassment policy so you can
be sure your conduct is consistent with these expectations.
The basic idea is simple. You can help create the kind of respectful workplace that everyone
wants and deserves by acting with professionalism, tact, and consideration toward all your
coworkers, wherever they are located.
In this course, you'll have an opportunity to do several things:
apply principles for promoting a respectful workplace

recognize how acting with respect toward your coworkers benefits everyone
find out how to demonstrate respect in a variety of situations, and
review your company's antiharassment policy
2 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
A Respectful Workplace
Learning Objective
After completing this topic, you should be able to
recognize the benefits of treating people respectfully at work
1. Introduction
A Respectful Workplace
Graphic
Now you will be guided through a sequence of scenes by a Host.
Host: All employees deserve to work in a respectful environment

one where they feel valued and where communication is
courteous.
Host: Consider this situation. Ravi, Reuben, and Sara work for
a bicycle manufacturer and have been tasked with generating
ideas to improve sales. Ravi is reporting back to the others on
his ideas...
The host finishes speaking and a new scene begins. Ravi is
speaking to his colleague Sara. There is documentation on the
table in front of each participant, including in front of an
empty chair at the table.
Ravi: I think the best way to improve our sales is to step up

quality by changing our gear-shifters...
Reuben arrives late and noisily settles into his seat. As Ravi
is speaking, Reuben puts a cell phone and a paper bag with his
coffee and doughnut next to his copy of the documentation. He
isn't paying attention to Ravi. Ravi looks uncomfortable and
tries not to be distracted by Reuben.
Ravi: We...I think we need to move to the new indexing systems.

The twist shifters are old-fashioned and liable to wear and
tear...They tend to stick...they're hard for children to turn.
3 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Let's turn to page two of the document...

As Ravi speaks and Sara tries to follow what he is saying,
Reuben noisily takes his coffee and doughnut out of the paper
bag and begins to consume them. Then Reuben's cell phone rings,
while Ravi and Sara are turning to a relevant page of the
document.
Reuben: No it's OK I can talk...

Reuben takes the call. He breezily wave to Ravi to continue the
presentation.
Ravi: I have included details on what our competitors are

doing. As you can see, it's quite revealing in terms of the
decline of twist shifters...
As Ravi is speaking, Reuben responds to his caller with several
"uh huhs," while continuing to eat his doughnut.
Reuben: Tell him I'll be there by 7.

Reuben looks guiltily at Ravi when he notices Ravi has stopped
speaking, and he ends the call and puts the phone down.
Ravi: Thumb-actuated indexing shifters can be easily placed on

all our current models at just slightly more cost than the
shifters we're currently using.
As Ravi speaks, Reuben finally tunes into the conversation, but
continues to drink his coffee.
Reuben: What are our competitors doing?

Reuben gestures at Ravi with his doughnut in hand.
Sara: He just told us...page 2 of the handout...

Sara is slightly irritated.
Reuben: Oh...right...
Reuben turns to page two of his document and starts reading.
Ravi: The indexing shifters are more reliable and...and they

perform better...
Ravi is flustered.
Reuben: Right...
The scene fades and a new scene begins.
Reuben and Sara are chatting in a corridor, just after the

meeting.
4 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Reuben: Those meetings are such a waste of time. I come out

knowing less than when I went in! And don't you find Ravi's way
of talking hard to follow?
Reuben stresses "such."
Sara: The meeting was hard to follow. But that wasn't Ravi's
fault.
Sara is irritated, and she stresses "was".
Reuben: What do you mean?

Reuben is surprised.
Sara: The food...the call...

Sara is impatient.
Reuben: Hey, give me a break...I missed breakfast...my car's in

the shop...
Reuben is not taking Sara very seriously.
Sara: Ravi's put a lot of work in...You weren't exactly

respectful...
Sara is serious.
Reuben: You think? Maybe I should patch things up.

Reuben is surprised and regretful.
Sara: I think you better...

The scene continues silently as the Host returns to wrap up the
scene.
Host: Even when disrespect is inadvertent, it can still be

damaging. Reuben did not mean to offend Ravi, but his
disrespectful behavior certainly upset him and ruined the
meeting.
2. A disrespectful workplace
A respectful workplace is in everyone's interest. After all, when coworkers offend, embarrass,
or disrespect each other, they can damage working relationships, lower productivity, and
increase employee turnover. In addition, some forms of disrespectful conduct may be
considered harassment, which is illegal.
Question
5 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Reuben's behavior wouldn't rise to the level of illegal harassment, but it was certainly
unprofessional. As well as interfering with the business of the meeting, it has a
negative impact on Ravi's morale.
What were some of the ways in which Reuben was disrespectful toward Ravi?
Options:
1. He was late for the meeting

2. He didn't come prepared
3. He was eating during the meeting
4. He took a call during the meeting
5. He didn't follow the document that Ravi distributed
6. He whispered something to Sara about Ravi
7. He expressed disagreement with Ravi
Answer
Option 1: It's clear that he wasn't there at the beginning of the meeting. When you're
invited to a meeting, it's basic courtesy to arrive on time.
Option 2: One indication that Reuben wasn't prepared for this meeting is that he
didn't have a pen to make any notes. Coming with pen and paper suggests that you
expect your colleague to say something of value, which is a sign of respect.
Option 3: The fact that Reuben "missed breakfast" isn't an excuse. It's inappropriate
to arrive at such a meeting and begin having a meal. It suggests you're not taking
your colleagues or the meeting seriously.
Option 4: Probably the rudest thing Reuben did at the meeting was taking the call
about his car. Even leaving his phone switched on is impolite, let alone actually
having the conversation while Ravi is trying to conduct the meeting and Sara is trying
to pay attention. As with other forms of disrespect, this kind of behavior indicates a
failure to value your colleague and what he is saying.
Option 5: Reuben had placed his coffee and donut on the document, so it's clear he
doesn't intend following along with it. He also failed to pick up on a reference to the
document when he asked about the competitors.
Option 6: There's no suggestion in the scene that Reuben was whispering to Sara.
That would certainly have been extremely rude.
Option 7: There's nothing inherently disrespectful about expressing disagreement, so

long as it's done respectfully. But Reuben didn't express any particular disagreement
with Ravi.
6 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Correct answer(s):
1. He was late for the meeting

2. He didn't come prepared
3. He was eating during the meeting
4. He took a call during the meeting
5. He didn't follow the document that Ravi distributed
The quality of work relationships has a major bearing on job satisfaction. If all Ravi's coworkers
were like Sara there wouldn't be a problem. Sara is clearly perceptive enough to recognize
disrespect when she sees it. But Reuben's inconsiderate behavior isn't the worst thing Ravi
has to deal with.
Part of Ravi's job is to make monthly presentations to the larger team, but now he dreads
these meetings because of the behavior of Reuben and another colleague, Jane. These two
like to spend these meetings whispering disparaging comments about Ravi. Jane seems to
enjoy making Ravi nervous and uncomfortable during his presentations.
At other times, Jane sends text messages to Reuben with jokes about Ravi's idiosyncrasies of
speech.
Graphic
Jane's text message says "Did you hear what he just said? He's illiterate."
Ravi has tried to be friendly, but whenever he expresses an opinion, no matter what the
subject, Jane puts him down with a sneering comment.
Not only that, but in the break room Jane and Reuben seem to make a point of snubbing him.
As a result, he feels very isolated.
Ravi's afraid to complain because he doesn't want to seem like an oversensitive complainer,
and he figures that if Jane and Reuben don't like him, there's nothing that can be done about it.
But the job is becoming unbearable, and his performance is suffering because he's so tense.
He's at the point of quitting.
Instead of the workplace being a fulfilling environment where Ravi can flourish, it's become
toxic due to his coworkers' rude and disrespectful conduct.
There seems little chance of constructive communication between coworkers to solve

problems. If an issue were to arise where Ravi needed assistance from Jane or Reuben, he
probably wouldn't feel comfortable asking for it or may not be able to get it.
7 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
And Ravi isn't the only one having a hard time. Another employee at the plant, Dave, is making
work difficult for his assistant, Julie. Follow along with a typical exchange between them.
Dave: Hi gorgeous. What have you got for me today? Have you
heard back from Brocadero's about why we're still waiting on
that consignment of wheels?
Julie: I took care of that this morning. There was a power

outage at the factory. He said they're on their way now.
Dave: Wow. You're more than just a pretty face! Lloyd over
there's such a pain in the neck. You must have really sweet
talked him?
Julie: Do you need me for anything else? I'd better get back to
the report I'm working on.
Julie is uncomfortable and embarrassed.
Dave: Say, how about drinks later? I could put a word in for a
raise for you.
Julie: No thanks, like I told you before, I'm not interested in

going out with you. And anyway, I've got a bible study class
tonight.
Julie is embarrassed and awkward.
Dave: A what? Are you kidding me? You're not one of those
types, are you? Come on...skip the class. And we can do a
little studying on our own.
Julie: I can't...sorry. Look, I really have to get back to work

now, OK?
Julie is embarrassed.
Julie really needs this job, so she tries to ignore Dave's unwelcome attention. But she's so
upset by Dave's near constant leering, touching, and suggesting that they go out together, that
she often finds herself close to tears.
Dave seems very popular with the company's upper management, so Julie feels that there's no
one she can turn to.
Given the stress Dave is putting her under, Julie's work is suffering.
Graphic
8 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
A productivity chart posted on the wall shows there has been a steep drop in Julie's
customer service calls over the month.
So what do you think about this bicycle manufacturer? Does it seem like a good place to work?
Note
Think about this for a moment, and when you're ready, select the Next button to continue.
If you said "no" you're in good company. Ravi and Julie are both experiencing inappropriate
behavior that is toxic to their work environment and the company as a whole.
If this disrespectful behavior is seen to be the "norm," even people who might not otherwise
engage in such behavior may become desensitized to it and come to accept it as the way
things are.
You can't help but wonder how many of Ravi's or Julie's coworkers are also subject to the
same kinds of rude behavior.
3. Principles of a respectful workplace

Ravi and Julie are doing their best to cope with a disrespectful work environment. But it doesn't
have to be like that. A workplace can be respectful, positive, and professional when everyone
follows a few basic principles of respect:
value all of your coworkers and the various talents, skills, and perspectives they bring to
the organization
be courteous in all your communications
consider the perspectives of others
never harass, bully, or intimidate others, and
don't ignore rude, uncivil, or harassing conduct if you witness it
Select each principle for more information.
Value all your coworkers

Never disparage your colleagues. That just creates an unhealthy work environment.
It's never acceptable to do or say anything that would demean or humiliate a coworker.
Everyone is entitled to be respected as a human being and for their contributions to the
company.
Be courteous
9 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Politeness should be a habit in communicating with all coworkers, whatever their

position. This indicates that you value others and appreciate their efforts. Courteous
communication can be as simple as saying "thank you" and "please." Certainly never
raise your voice or be sarcastic.
Be careful with e-mail. A casually written e-mail can easily come off as disrespectful or
even offensive, even when that was not the intention.
Consider the perspectives of others
To understand how others would wish to be treated, it helps to imagine yourself in a
similar circumstance.
Sometimes inappropriate or rude behavior or remarks may be the result of ignorance.

For instance, an employee may not realize that his jokes about a coworker's age are
hurtful. In a more respectful workplace, there is greater awareness of and sensitivity to
what could be offensive to others. You should strive to consider the perspective of
others before you act.
Never harass others
It should be obvious that harassing behavior is unacceptable in a respectful workplace.
But people don't always realize their behavior is harassing.
Other conduct to avoid includes bullying, intimidation, and any form of physical
violence.
Don't ignore harassing conduct
If you witness uncivil or harassing behavior, speak up. Don't assume someone else will
report harassment or that HR is already aware of an escalating situation.
Question
Think back to Ravi's and Julie's experience at work.
Which of the five principles of a respectful workplace were violated there?
Options:
1. Value your coworkers

2. Be courteous
3. Consider the perspectives of others
4. Never harass, bully, or intimidate others
5. Don't ignore harassing conduct
6. Don't speak unless spoken to
10 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Answer
All the principles were violated in this case.
Option 1: Both Reuben and Jane undermined Ravi's dignity by humiliating him
during his presentations and failed to acknowledge his contributions. And Dave
objectified Julie rather than treating her as worthy of respect.
Option 2: This principle was violated by Reuben and Jane. They were discourteous
in not listening to Ravi when he was speaking. Also, Dave's inappropriate remarks to
Julie are clearly unwelcome to her, and his persistence shows a lack of respect for
her wishes.
Option 3: Reuben and Jane fail to identify with Ravi. If they had considered his point
of view, they would have behaved respectfully at the meetings. As well as that, Jane
clearly never asks herself how she would feel if her opinions were disparaged or she
was excluded in the workplace. Finally, if Dave considered Julie's perspective, he
would stop pursuing her against her wishes.
Option 4: Dave's treatment of Julie would likely be considered sexual harassment. In

addition, the conduct of Jane and Reuben was an attempt to intimidate Ravi.
Option 5: This principle is violated when an employee knows what's was going on
and just lets it happen. Also, Ravi and Julie should have sought help. Ravi could have
discussed the situation with his manager. Obviously, Julie couldn't approach her own
manager, Dave, but she could have contacted HR or a different manager she felt
comfortable speaking with.
Option 6: This is an incorrect option. It is not a principle of a respectful workplace

that you shouldn't speak unless spoken to. In a respectful workplace, people should
be free to speak when they have something to say, so long as they do so with
courtesy and tact.
Correct answer(s):
1. Value your coworkers

2. Be courteous
3. Consider the perspectives of others
4. Never harass, bully, or intimidate others
5. Don't ignore harassing conduct
Question
11 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Let's practice applying what we've covered so far.
Which two actions do you think would contribute to creating a respectful work
environment?
Options:
1. Raising your voice at a colleague who is late with a report you were waiting
on
2. Sending jokes by text message to a coworker who has asked you to stop
3. Speaking to a coworker about a racial slur you overheard her use in the
break room
4. Asking a colleague's opinion about a project you are working on
Answer
Option 1: This action wouldn't contribute to a respectful environment. Polite

communication at all times is essential to a respectful workplace, and it is impolite to
raise your voice with a coworker under any circumstances. It would be fair to
communicate how your colleague's lateness impacted your work, but this should be
done without being rude.
Option 2: This is the type of action that could create a disrespectful environment. If
your coworker has made it clear that these jokes are not wanted, you are being
disrespectful by continuing to send them.
Option 3: Taking this action would support a respectful environment. It's never a
good idea to ignore rude behavior if you become aware of it. Discussing the matter
privately with your coworker could help bring the importance of the situation to her
attention so she can avoid similar conduct in the future. Or, you could seek help from
your manager or HR if you are not comfortable confronting your coworker directly.
Option 4: This action shows respect. Asking a colleague's opinion acknowledges that
you value his insights and shows your respect for his viewpoint.
Correct answer(s):
3. Speaking to a coworker about a racial slur you overheard her use in the break
room
4. Asking a colleague's opinion about a project you are working on
4. Respecting differences
Sometimes superficial differences between people are used as an excuse for inappropriate
behavior.
12 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
But there can be very deep cultural differences that should be respected.
For instance, Americans may perceive Asian workers as excessively subservient to their
bosses and lacking in initiative. By contrast, Asian workers may perceive American workers as
lacking deference and discipline.
This can occur because Americans typically have a more egalitarian attitude, but order and
hierarchy may be more highly valued by some Asian workers. Clearly it's important that the
core values are respected, or each will be making negative assumptions and reinforcing
stereotypes about the other. In a respectful workplace, differences between these values can
be stimulating, rather than threatening.
It's certainly more challenging to create cultural unity in a global, geographically diverse
organization. When interaction is limited to e-mails and the occasional conference call, there
can be more opportunities for cultural misunderstandings and stereotyping.
As an employee, it's up to you to recognize and value differences whether they are matters
of appearance, personality, or core values and work with your colleagues to support a culture
of unity that values diversity.
Question
As you've learned, respectful workplaces embody a number of characteristics that

reflect some basic principles of inclusion and respect.
Which three statements are characteristic of respectful workplaces?
Options:
1. All employees' contributions and perspectives are valued

2. Communication is consistently courteous
3. Harassment is not tolerated
4. There is never any conflict
Answer
Option 1: This is a correct option. Valuing each employee's contributions is an

essential feature of a respectful workplace. It's important to value each employee as
a human being and as someone who contributes to the goals of the organization.
Option 2: This is a correct option. Polite communication is indicative of a healthy,

respectful workplace. Coworkers shouldn't raise their voices, trade insults, or
undermine each other.
Option 3: This is a correct option. A workplace is not genuinely respectful if
13 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
harassment, intimidation, or bullying is tolerated.
Option 4: This is an unrealistic expectation for any workplace. It is impossible to

eliminate all conflict from the workplace, and some conflict may be productive. A
respectful workplace is one where conflict is handled in a manner where opposing
positions are respected and explored rather than simply dismissed.
Correct answer(s):
1. All employees' contributions and perspectives are valued

2. Communication is consistently courteous
3. Harassment is not tolerated
5. Why promote a respectful workplace?

So far, we've covered the basic principles for promoting respect in the workplace. Now let's
turn to the ways a respectful workplace benefits the individuals and the company.
Based on what you've learned about promoting respect in the workplace, which statements do
you think describe some of the potential benefits of a respectful workplace?
First, select each statement that you believe describes a potential benefit of a respectful
workplace to find out if you have identified all the benefits listed on this page. Then, after
you've finished, select any remaining statements to learn more about them.
It supports the well-being of employees

A workplace where employees are valued and where communication is polite and
constructive boosts everyone's self-esteem and promotes a healthy team spirit.
It facilitates a more productive work environment

When people feel good about themselves and their colleagues, they are better able to
get their work done. They can also pool their knowledge and skills more easily, which
enhances productivity.
It eliminates criticism from the workplace

Criticism is sometimes necessary if you are to improve at your job. What's important is
that it should be constructive criticism rather than nit-picking or personalized criticism.
In a respectful workplace, necessary criticism will be delivered in a constructive way.
It facilitates constructive communication for solving problems

A respectful workplace is one where all employees are valued and communication is
consistently polite. This creates an environment where challenges can be addressed in
a positive manner. This does not mean that the workplace will be free of criticism or
14 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
negative emotions, but colleagues will be more likely to deal with these issues in a
tactful and constructive way.
It ensures all employees will like one another

A respectful workplace need not be one where every employee likes everyone else
they work with. This would be unrealistic. However, it does create an atmosphere
where regardless of the personal feelings one might have for another, employees treat
each other cordially and with professionalism.
It leads to fewer misunderstandings and less miscommunication

Sometimes inappropriate behavior may be the result of ignorance and
misunderstanding. In a workplace that values and promotes respect, there tends to be
greater awareness of and sensitivity to what could be offensive to others.
The benefits of working in a respectful environment are obvious and many. These are just
some of the potential benefits you may experience.
Graphic
A respectful environment supports the well-being of employees. It facilitates a more

productive work environment. It facilitates constructive communication for solving
problems. And it leads to fewer misunderstandings and less miscommunication.
6. Summary
To review, there are five basic principles you can apply every day to help make your workplace
a more respectful and collegial environment: acknowledge that your coworkers are valuable,
always be courteous in your communication with others, consider your coworkers'
perspectives, avoid behaviors that may be considered harassing or intimidating, and don't
ignore intimidating behavior.
Remember that a respectful workplace is better for you and your fellow workers, and that it
benefits your organization as a whole.
15 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Demonstrating Respect
Learning Objective
After completing this topic, you should be able to
choose to act respectfully when interacting with others
1. Introduction
Demonstrating Respect
Graphic
Now you will be guided through a scene by a Host.
Host: By demonstrating respect for colleagues, you show that

you value them and want to build positive professional
relationships with them. Common courtesy is the very least that
can be expected. But respecting your fellow workers also means
accepting them as they are, empathizing with them, giving
support when they need it, and avoiding stereotypes.
Host: Let's watch and see how Reuben interacts with Maria, a
colleague who works at the company's office in Mexico.
The host finishes speaking and a new scene begins.
Reuben and Maria are having a phone conversation from their

respective offices.
Maria: Reuben, I'm so sorry. I'm still collecting that data. I

won't be able to send you the report today...
Maria is anxious.
Reuben: You people are always late. What were you

doing...taking a siesta?
Reuben is smiling at his attempt at a joke.
Maria: What? I'm sorry I'm behind on things here, but there's
no reason to be rude.
16 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Maria is taken aback and offended.
Reuben: Oh, come on, Maria. I was just kidding.

Reuben is dismissive.
Maria: I don't think it's funny. Are you saying that because
I'm Mexican, I can't get anything done on time?
Maria is offended.
Reuben: No, no. I don't have anything against Mexicans. It's

just that it seems you people are always late. I mean...
Reuben is defensive.
Maria: "You people?" What's that supposed to mean? Maybe you've

had some bad experiences with others in this office, but I've
never missed a deadline!
Maria is shocked and irritated.
Reuben: Yes, I know I shouldn't have said that. So when will

I get that report?...Maana?
Reuben is regretful and tries to break the tension with another
joke.
Maria: Oh yeah. Tomorrow. Right after I get back from HR.

Maria is defiant.
2. Avoiding stereotyping
In an effort to promote a respectful work environment, it's important for coworkers to overcome
any prejudices they may hold, including those they are not consciously aware of. Often,
prejudices are related to stereotyping based on an individual's cultural background or personal
characteristics.
Stereotyping is disrespectful because it downplays a person's uniqueness and reinforces

superficial judgments that others may make before getting to know the person.
Reuben's racial insinuations are not only unprofessional and disrespectful they could also be
illegal in many countries.
Question
Now imagine that Reuben, who is very upset about how the call with Maria ended,
comes to you for advice.
What might you suggest as some principles to guide his interactions with others?
17 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
Options:
1. "Don't joke about a person's personal characteristics."

2. "Avoid stereotyping others. Each person is an individual and should be
accepted in his or her own right."
3. "Empathize with others and show them that you value them."
4. "If you know you crossed a line, apologize. It can go a long way."
5. "Be yourself no matter what."
Answer
Option 1: Joking is a mechanism people often use to say things they really want to
say but know they shouldn't. Do your best to avoid this kind of joking, especially if it
relates to a personal characteristic such as age, sex, religion, or, like in Maria's case,
national origin.
Option 2: Reuben stereotyped Maria according to his own prejudices. He should

focus on her as a person and not make assumptions about her based on the fact that
she is Mexican.
Option 3: When Maria apologized for being late with her work, Reuben could have
acknowledged that and attempted to consider the situation from her perspective.
Option 4: Reuben made a half-hearted attempt at an apology, but then resorted to

another joke. Once you realize that you've said or done something inappropriate,
apologize for your mistake and mean it! An apology may not fix the situation, but it
shows you have the courtesy to admit your mistake, and take ownership of your
actions.
Option 5: In a work environment, everyone should approach interactions with tact

and care. This doesn't mean you can't "be yourself," so long as you are aware of how
your behavior affects those you work with.
Correct answer(s):
1. "Don't joke about a person's personal characteristics."

2. "Avoid stereotyping others. Each person is an individual and should be accepted
in his or her own right."
3. "Empathize with others and show them that you value them."
4. "If you know you crossed a line, apologize. It can go a long way."
Relying on prejudiced views and stereotypes may also lead to discriminatory behavior. Many
jurisdictions have enacted laws to prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
These laws typically focus on discrimination that is based on certain characteristics:
18 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
age
sex (including sexual preference or transgender status)
race
national origin
religion
pregnancy
marital status, or
disability
Although the exact legal definitions can vary from place to place, this list provides some useful
guidance on the types of characteristics that can become the subject of stereotyping,
discrimination, and harassment. It's helpful to keep these categories in mind when reflecting on
your own behavior.
3. Positive respect
In addition to avoiding stereotypes, there are four positive general ways you can demonstrate
respect to your coworkers:
being courteous
being supportive
accepting coworkers for who they are, and
showing empathy
Supplement
Selecting the link title opens the resource in a new browser window.
Job Aid
Access the job aid Principles for Demonstrating Respect to help you practice
respect in the workplace.
Remember, there are two aspects to supporting your colleagues when they ask for feedback
on their work.
First, acknowledge whatever is done well. Even if you have a criticism, it is important to
acknowledge the positive.
Second, show respect by being honest. If you've been asked your opinion and you notice
something that could be improved, you can help them improve by bringing this up in a tactful
way. Just be sure to avoid any personal criticism.
4. Empathizing with coworkers
19 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
As we've discussed, respect means valuing others for who they are and being willing to
consider their unique perspectives. When you consider their perspective, you are able to
demonstrate respect by empathizing with them. Empathizing with coworkers is especially
important when they may be having difficulty completing work that you are waiting for.
In the earlier scene, Maria called Reuben to let him know the report he was waiting for wasn't
ready. He was more concerned with being funny than trying to find out what the delay might
be.
Had he done that, he would have learned that she had been tending to her sick father for the
last two days and was just now getting back to work.
Question
Which kinds of disrespect was Reuben guilty of in that scene?
Options:
1. Lack of empathy
2. Stereotyping
3. Sexual harassment
Answer
Option 1: You can only empathize with people if you take some interest in what's
going on with them. Reuben should have taken an interest in whether Maria was
having a problem with gathering the data or why she was delayed. This might have
given him the opportunity to relate to her as a human being because he might have
found out about her personal circumstances.
Option 2: Reuben is certainly at fault for expressing racial stereotypes. Whether or

not they are intended maliciously, jokes based on such characteristics as racial origin
are out of bounds in any circumstances.
Option 3: There is no suggestion in the scene that Reuben is sexually harassing

Maria.
Correct answer(s):
1. Lack of empathy
2. Stereotyping
20 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM
5. Summary
To act respectfully in the workplace, you should value individuals for who they are, be
courteous in all your communications, be supportive, show empathy especially when a
coworker is experiencing difficulties and avoid any form of stereotyping.
Your company's antiharassment policy is a valuable resource that contains the company's
expectations for employee behavior. It also includes guidance on reporting inappropriate
behavior and identifies where you can go with any questions or to discuss any concerns.
Please take a moment now to locate and review your company's antiharassment policy and
any other policy or resource that includes guidance on employee conduct in your workplace.
2017 Skillsoft Ireland Limited
21 of 21 12/3/17, 10:26 PM

Anti-Harassment Training - Skillsoft Course Transcript

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Anti-Harassment Training - Skillsoft Course Transcript

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Skillsoft Course Transcript https://library.skillport.com/courseware/Content/cca/lch_01_a18...

Preventing Harassment in the Global

Acting with Respect

Achieving a respectful workplace can be especially challenging when there is a geographically

In this course, you'll have an opportunity to do several things:

apply principles for promoting a respectful workplace

Now you will be guided through a sequence of scenes by a Host.

Host: All employees deserve to work in a respectful environment

Ravi: I think the best way to improve our sales is to step up

Ravi: We...I think we need to move to the new indexing systems.

Let's turn to page two of the document...

Reuben: No it's OK I can talk...

Ravi: I have included details on what our competitors are

Reuben: Tell him I'll be there by 7.

Ravi: Thumb-actuated indexing shifters can be easily placed on

Reuben: What are our competitors doing?

Sara: He just told us...page 2 of the handout...

Ravi: The indexing shifters are more reliable and...and they

Reuben and Sara are chatting in a corridor, just after the

Reuben: Those meetings are such a waste of time. I come out

Reuben: What do you mean?

Sara: The food...the call...

Reuben: Hey, give me a break...I missed breakfast...my car's in

Sara: Ravi's put a lot of work in...You weren't exactly

Reuben: You think? Maybe I should patch things up.

Sara: I think you better...

Host: Even when disrespect is inadvertent, it can still be

1. He was late for the meeting

Option 7: There's nothing inherently disrespectful about expressing disagreement, so

1. He was late for the meeting

There seems little chance of constructive communication between coworkers to solve

Julie: I took care of that this morning. There was a power

Julie: No thanks, like I told you before, I'm not interested in

Julie: I can't...sorry. Look, I really have to get back to work

3. Principles of a respectful workplace

Value all your coworkers

Politeness should be a habit in communicating with all coworkers, whatever their

Sometimes inappropriate or rude behavior or remarks may be the result of ignorance.

Think back to Ravi's and Julie's experience at work.

Which of the five principles of a respectful workplace were violated there?

1. Value your coworkers

All the principles were violated in this case.

Option 4: Dave's treatment of Julie would likely be considered sexual harassment. In

Option 6: This is an incorrect option. It is not a principle of a respectful workplace

1. Value your coworkers

Let's practice applying what we've covered so far.

Option 1: This action wouldn't contribute to a respectful environment. Polite

As you've learned, respectful workplaces embody a number of characteristics that

Which three statements are characteristic of respectful workplaces?

1. All employees' contributions and perspectives are valued

Option 1: This is a correct option. Valuing each employee's contributions is an

Option 2: This is a correct option. Polite communication is indicative of a healthy,

Option 3: This is a correct option. A workplace is not genuinely respectful if

harassment, intimidation, or bullying is tolerated.

Option 4: This is an unrealistic expectation for any workplace. It is impossible to

1. All employees' contributions and perspectives are valued

5. Why promote a respectful workplace?

It supports the well-being of employees

It facilitates a more productive work environment

It eliminates criticism from the workplace

It facilitates constructive communication for solving problems

It ensures all employees will like one another

It leads to fewer misunderstandings and less miscommunication

A respectful environment supports the well-being of employees. It facilitates a more