Harassment Policy Change A La Elizabeth and John Edwards — Tip of the Week

As widely reported and as seen on TV and heard on radio, Elizabeth Edwards has been talking to anyone who will listen about the affair of her spouse, former presidential candidate John Edwards. (Click here for previous post.)

Her public conversations result from a new book dealing with the setbacks of her life (breast cancer, for example), but it’s her candid account of John Edwards’ infidelity that’s become ubiquitous. Though there’s support for both the accolades and criticism she’s received for her no-holds-barred approach to this subject, Elizabeth Edwards may have forever changed the obligatory response of the unfaithful politician’s spouse (usually wife) to stand by her man.

Most alleged incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace involve at least one married employee or supervisor. Although they don’t receive the attention of the Edwards soap opera, these incidents (sometimes found to be consensual or welcome) result in rage, psychotherapy, and sometimes divorce. I wonder if now is the time for employers to consider a change in their sexual harassment policies. One tip: ”Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Why not make it the title of the policy?

Perhaps the entire quote of this phrase should be added to sexual harassment policies.  Found in The Mourning Bride by late 17th, early 18th century English author William Congreve, it reads: “Heaven has no rage like love turned to hate/Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.” It might not lessen the chances of sexual harassment in your workplace, but it’s likely to ensure that your employees would finally read the policy.