Customer Reviews

The Sexual Harassment Handbook

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Employers are increasingly aware that sexual harassment is a problem and that they may be in for trouble if an incident happens in their workplace. However, they still struggle to understand exactly what it is and how to prevent it. In this useful manual, attorney Linda Gordon Howard explains U.S. law in plain language and provides real-life examples of sexual harassment. She points out that sexual harassment affects more than the actor or the target; it can create mistrust and poison the entire workplace atmosphere. She provides advice about investigating complaints, taking action and creating policies. getAbstract recommends this book to human resource managers and supervisors who wish to create workplaces that comply with the law and remain free of hostility.

As a manager of a good sized company I really needed to read Ms. Howard's book. I now keep it out in my office so everyone can see it. Sexual harassment happens a lot more often than people realize. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and now feel much more competent in handling any issues that come up. Thank you Ms. Howard for writing such an insightful and helpful book.

Finally, a sane approach to the subject of sexual harrassment. Far too long, we have been blinded by our emotional responses to the issue of sex in the workplace. Howard, a lawyer, brings her sharp legal mind to the topic, demonstrating that the biggest dangers are misunderstanding and miscommunication. Every HR professional should purchase this book.

Below is my original review of this book where I gave the book 1 star. When I went to discuss this book with the supervisor who was accused of the harassment he had a lot of positive things to say about the book. He said the author described his situation perfectly and it really helped him to realize that he needed to be more careful in the workplace and keep things on a professional level (keep near the equator as the book suggests). So I am leaving my original comment below because that is how I perceived the book but am updating my rating from 1 star to 3 stars in fairness to the author based on the supervisor's assessment of it.
______

For the first time in my business I encountered a situation of sexual harassment between a new employee and a supervisor. As part of the disciplinary action I assigned the supervisor to read this book while also reading it myself so I could discuss it later with him. I hate leaving negative feedback but I really felt that this book was a waste of time. I am sure the author is amazing at the job she does, but in this book she rambles on and never really gives anything of value. I would not recommend this book.

Attorney Linda Gordon Howard's THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT HANDBOOK offers a fine, comprehensive overview of sexual harassment from a range of perspectives, from defining the term and the process of complaint to identifying 'hostile environment harassment' and other forms. Lawyers, non-lawyers and all business owners need to see this!