Workplace Harassment Incidents Down in Massachusetts, New Report Says

Harassment and discrimination incidents in the workplace are on the decline in Massachusetts, according to a recent report by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 

The Commonwealth had 400 harassment and discrimination charges in 2013, a drop of 6 percent compared to 426 charges in 2012, according to the EEOC's 2013 report, released this month.

By comparison, 93,727 charges were filed in the United States in 2013, a drop from 99,412 charges filed in 2012. 

The Network, a governance, risk and compliance (GRC) solutions organization, assembled an infographic to highlight the changes even further.

"Preventing harassment and discrimination in the workplace started with a solid code of conduct and anti-harassment policy that includes step-by-step instructions on what to do if an employee learns of violations to that policy," Jimmy Lin, Vice President of product management and corporate development at The Network, said in a statement. "Employees should be educated as to what counts as discrimination and/or harassment and how to appropriately respond to these situations should they arise in the workplace. Managers also need to know how to deal with these issues and when to escalate them. Incidents are often buried by middle managers who do not respond properly or by the time issues escalate, are afraid to get additional help from above. Training methods also need to be brought up-to-date. A comprehensive workplace harassment training program needs to include periodic education as well as follow-up awareness learning and ongoing awareness communications – it can’t be viewed as a 'once and done' exercise."