Facing unfair treatment at your workplace can be emotionally taxing, and it’s only natural that one might consider quitting, particularly if the unfairness takes the form of sexual harassment, racial or ethnic slurs, or any form of threat. However, doing so could be a double-edged sword, potentially damaging your chances of seeking legal redress, as your employer might construe this as job abandonment.
There are times when an employer might perceive an employee as problematic – usually, an individual unafraid of voicing their grievances about the harassment they face. In such circumstances, employers might capitalize on incidents such as the employee leaving work early or taking a break to decompress, as an opportunity to terminate the employee. The employer might construe this as the worker quitting or abandoning their job.
This predicament leaves employees stuck between a rock and a hard place – endure unbearable work conditions or risk their job security. But according to employment law experts, there are viable alternatives that help employees maintain their job and safeguard their rights. Read on to learn more and then contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a legal consultation with a harassment attorney.
What to Do if You Are in Danger
The primary course of action when feeling unsafe at work is to dial 911. This applies when a colleague or a customer threatens you. Doing this might not necessarily protect your job, as your employer could still fire you for involving law enforcement. However, it helps create an official record of the incident and may prevent the situation from escalating further. If the threat is immediate and physical, your safety should take precedence, and leaving the location is advised.
Document the Incident in Writing
If the offensive behavior does not make you feel physically threatened, it’s advisable to document it in writing rather than just reporting it verbally or face-to-face. Be specific in your complaint. Instead of just mentioning bullying or harassment, highlight if the offensive actions are based on your belonging to a protected class (like race, age, nationality, disability, gender, and so forth). This helps create a trail of the issues you are experiencing at your workplace.
Ask for Permission to Leave in Writing
If it becomes necessary for you to leave work, make sure you request permission in writing. Send an email detailing the incident (like experiencing sexual harassment) and your reason for leaving early – whether it’s to cool off or seek safety. Having written consent from a superior or a human resources representative makes it harder for your employer to fire you later. If your superior grants verbal permission, ensure you follow it up with a confirmation email.
Talk to an Attorney
While these measures may not fully shield you from being fired, they serve as concrete evidence of the mistreatment you’re enduring and why you might have to leave. As per veteran employment lawyers, this could also prove that your termination was a retaliation for speaking up against the harassment or other inappropriate behavior at work.
At PLBH, we empathize with the struggles of dealing with workplace harassment and threatening behavior. We collaborate with our clients to devise effective strategies to handle these situations, thereby maximizing the chance of preserving their jobs and achieving justice. To learn more about our services and schedule a consultation, reach out to us today at (800) 435-7542.