Now that summertime is in full swing, you may either be looking forward to or dreading your company’s annual picnic. While your employer may not be able to force you to attend the outing, making an appearance is sure to win you some brownie points. Still, if your colleagues do not behave themselves, going to the summer picnic may be downright traumatic.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination. As such, it violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While it certainly is possible to experience sexual harassment at any point during the year, summer often brings out the worst in people.
Changes in attire
As temperatures climb, many employers in Colorado relax their official dress codes. Even if your employer’s dress code is already flexible, you may prefer to wear shorts, skirts or thin shirts during the summer. Simply changing your attire may cause your coworkers or managers to behave inappropriately, sadly.
Changes in atmosphere
During employment-related summertime activities, employees often leave their cubicles and offices for outside spaces. For some reason, individuals often act differently away from the workplace than they do at work. This is especially true if the outside activities include alcohol.
Changes in attitudes
Colorado has more sunny days each year than Florida, which is the Sunshine State. Still, longer days mean more Coloradoans have access to more hours of sunshine. Sunshine, of course, increases serotonin levels, which may cause your coworkers to feel friskier than usual.
Ultimately, while there is no empirical evidence to suggest sexual harassment becomes more common in the summer, it is important to understand that you are not responsible for anyone’s bad behaviors.
