Should I Discuss My Sexual Harassment Experience with My Coworkers?

As the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, you have the right to speak to anyone you want about your case. However, you must also be prudent and think about the bigger picture. It may be satisfying to get something off your chest, and you may feel vindicated. At the same time, you could also complicate your potential lawsuit against your employer. The sensible thing may be to speak with an employment lawyer before you tell anyone else about what happened.

There are pros and cons to discussing your harassment case with coworkers. Realistically, the balance of factors should mean that you do not speak about what happened at work. What you do after you have been the victim of harassment could determine whether you are successful in a lawsuit. If you make a mistake, it could complicate your case.

Reasons Why You Could Decide to Tell a Coworker

One of the only benefits of telling a coworker about the harassment as it is occurring is that you may have a potential witness. They would not be able to testify about matters that they did not see or hear themselves, but they can explain that you informed them as the harassment was happening. However, you would open your coworkers up to potential consequences for them. If they end up having to testify in your case, they could face illegal retaliation from your employer. Further, they may be questioned by your employer’s lawyers in a deposition, which can result in evidence that can be used in your case.

You may also decide that you need someone who is familiar with the situation and can provide you with some support. You are likely better off finding support outside of work, but you know your situation best. If you choose to tell people at work, you should tell only one person or a very limited circle of people. Be very careful when deciding who you choose to talk to about harassment. Know that your employer cannot retaliate against you for telling coworkers about the harassment.

You Are Likely Better Off Not Telling Coworkers

Once you tell someone anything in a workplace setting, you lose control of the information. You cannot control who they tell what they have learned. Bits and pieces of the story could be spread around the office, and things could be taken out of context. When you tell Human Resources or a supervisor about the harassment, they are under an obligation to keep things confidential. Coworkers have no such restriction, and you never know who you can trust in the workplace. You could quickly lose control of the narrative as the story spreads around your workplace.

Discussing your case with coworkers is not a substitute for reporting the sexual harassment to management. You would need to inform a supervisor or Human Resources of the harassment to give your employer a chance to do something about it. You do not want management to learn about your issue secondhand when another employee either discusses it with them, or the story makes its way around your workplace.

Before you tell anyone about what happened, you should always consult with an employment lawyer first. They can give you practical advice about how to handle the situation. Your lawyer may tell you that it is in your best interest to only tell management about the harassment. They could also counsel you on what you should do to handle the harassment and how you may handle it at work.

Contact the Bergen County Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Carcich O’Shea for Help with Your Claim

If you have been a victim of discrimination or other illegal treatment on the job, reach out to the Bergen County sexual harassment lawyers at Carcich O’Shea. You can schedule an initial consultation to speak with one of our employment lawyers by calling us today at 201-988-1308 or by contacting us online. Our office is located in Hackensack, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients in Bergen County, Edison County, Essex County, Morris County, and Passaic County.