Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Southern California Partner Brandon Saxon was interviewed for an article entitled "Offshore Drilling Corporation Wins Sexual Harassment Case," published by the Society of Human Resource Management ("SHRM").
The article explores the matter of Saidman v. Schlumberger Technology Corp, a class-action lawsuit filed in June 2020 bringing claims of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment and retaliation. The jury found the defendant not liable after the company showed it maintained anti-discrimination and nonretaliation policies and trained workers on those policies.
"Many employees mistakenly believe that sexual harassment only takes place with physical contact or inappropriate comments. Sexual harassment can take many forms, including nonverbal body language and actions, conversations in which a victim overhears something inappropriate, jokes, office décor, and other forms. There is a misconception that sexual harassment must take place over a long period of time before it becomes actionable. Even a single instance of inappropriate conduct [can be] enough to warrant an actionable claim," said Saxon in his commentary.
He added that the most effective ways to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace are "to have clear policies and procedures in place, which are communicated effectively to employees and managers alike. Additionally, ensuring comprehensive training and reminders regarding those policies is an important tool in preventing harassment," Saxon said. "In the event issues arise, encouraging prompt reporting and having uniform procedures for reporting, investigating, and holding both employees and management responsible for their behavior provides a robust and comprehensive approach to preventing these types of claims."
Mr. Saxon is Assistant Managing Partner of the firm's San Diego office and Chair of the office’s Employment Group. He is also the Assistant Chair of the firm’s National Employment Group. His practice focuses on a wide range of matters focusing on advice and counsel as well as the defense of companies and employers in employment and commercial-related actions. He has litigated a number of matters to successful resolution in both state and federal courts and has experience in a variety of heavily regulated practice areas.
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