EOC Week 9 Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is not something that the United States takes lightly today. Decades ago there was not any support in regards to handling sexual harassment cases, there really was no such thing as sexual harassment. For years women and men have dealt with the harsh realities that there are people in the world and workplace who sexually harass multiple people and get away with it. Now there are laws that prevent and help serve justice in sexual harassment cases all over the country. There are however, a few important outlines that make sexual harassment what it is. "The harasser's conduct must be unwelcome." Some people may have a personality that seems a bit friendlier than others and there are points where the line should be drawn. The only way that sexual harassment is truly able to be charged is if there has been some unwanted gestures or comments made towards the victim. One cannot claim sexual harassment when there is a common understanding and acceptance of the nature of each person. "Unlawful sexual harassment may occur without economic injury to or discharge of the victim." I believe this is a very important statement because not all forms of harassment or bullying are physical. Mental abuse is far worse than physical because it may never heal. The things that someone does to you may be forgotten, although unlikely. But it is more unlikely that something someone has said to you will be easily forgotten as well. "The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex." It is important to recognize that ANYONE can be a victim. There is some prejudice in the justice system when it comes to same sex harassment but today there are some revisions that also protect those who fall victim to same sex sexual harassment. It is always important that whenever there is some uncomfortable exchanges of words or gestures in any sexual or unpleasant terms that someone be notified. If we continue to tolerate such treatment there will never be served justice and sooner or later we will all be a part of a nightmare that will only continue through an inevitable cycle.

Cite:
"Facts About Sexual Harassment." Facts About Sexual Harassment. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. <http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/fs-sex.cfm>.

Week 8 EOC "9-5"

• 1. Provide an overview of the individual on-job training process.     Individual job training should be personal and professional. There are points in the movie that lack both qualities. An example from the movie "9-5" would be right from the very beginning when Violet is told that she will be training Judy. She is reluctant and does not go over the training procedures she should have but however, does give a brief and blunt overview of what Judy should expect.
• 2. Explain steps that are important in the four-step individual (on-job) training method:  The four steps are Preparation, Presentation, Practice, and Follow-up. In the movie Judy first walks in in what is not appropriate attire for the job because she was not told what was expected. Judy is then shown the very brash and dreary realities of the work environment she will get to know too well. There are no guides for her to reference to during the whole first day and she then ends up running into a few preventable problems. Some further on-job training approaches would be to be friendly, approachable, and willing to ask questions at any moment.
• 3. Explain additional on-job training approaches. Being friendly and approachable while remaining professional.
• 4. Provide an overview of the group training process.    The group training process involves forming a group specifically created for certain training, getting together all of the information needed to train, and tying up any lose ends or questions.
• 5. Review specific procedures to prepare for group training:     The first being that all information that will be needed in order to properly conduct training should be accessible and clear, the second step that there be manuals and handbooks available to make reference to, delivering the training program ,and lastly evaluating the efficiency and results.
• 6. Discuss procedures to facilitate group training:      The group training process should include creating the proper group and training topic, thoroughly going over details and questions, and making sure that a common goal of understanding is reached within the entire group.
• 7. Discuss the training evaluation process: In the movie there is no point at which Violet, Roz, or Mr. Hart evaluate Judy's training process or lack thereof.

Job Posting for Sweetwater Travel Company

Sweetwater Travel Company has been one of the most successful fly fishing companies to have ever surfaced. The Vermillion brothers have selflessly offered their love for fly fishing since 1995 to share it with others who have the same love for what we consider an art and everlasting lifestyle. The grace and skill that it takes to fly fish is unimaginable and can truly be experienced when you join the Sweetwater Travel family. If you desire a career that not only takes you places where you may have never even dreamed of but also gives you the opportunity to live a life that you see AFTER retirement, this is the perfect career for you.

Job requirements are as follows:
Friendly and outgoing.
Willing to go the distance in physical, mental, and emotional tasks.
Family oriented.
Must have a good endurance and a good amount of patience.
Hygienically conscious while also being comfortable with the effects of the elements.
Must have a prestige yet environmental take on life; living the luxurious life while not being scared to get your hands dirty.
A team player and confidant.

There are endless opportunities in this world but only a few are well worth going the distance for. If you capture all of the qualities previously listed you are sure to have a great chance at completing the family. We look forward to meeting you and creating a long-lasting relationship with you, and as always, we look forward to fishing with you. 

Wk 4 Physical Attractiveness

There are numerous factors that employers take into consideration when an applicant is being considered for a job. Some factors are key in determining the success of the future employee while others may not correlate at all. A controversial quality is physical attractiveness varying from weight and height to facial appearance. In some businesses these things are what will make or break whether they are hired or not. I am torn on the idea of hiring based off of physical attractiveness. Should employers disregard your application even if you are highly qualified just because of your physical appearance? No. But is it important to keep up with hygiene and typical tasks like styling your hair or being dressed properly, yes. There are also instances that physical appearance may boost other qualities to the public eye. "...attractive people being perceived as more sociable, happier and more successful..."(Shahani-Denning, Comila. Physical Attractiveness Bias in Hiring. Print).
There are many fine lines that can be crossed when physical appearance does matter in the work place. Religion can definitely affect your appearance in both a fashionable sense and a hygienically inclined sense. Different religions require you to wear different forms of clothing due to their beliefs and they sometimes collide with the ideas of the company. Some cultures may even only use certain soaps or techniques for washing themselves that may not be accepted in the employers eyes but there is then a problem with discrimination of religion. It is up to the employer/company to issue policies that outline their standards. One example that I can relate to is tattoos and the controversy on whether they may be displayed or if they must be covered up. Coach is a brand all about quality and how they present themselves. I work as a sales associate at one of their outlets. Our dress code includes dark jeans, navy or white blouses, and other basics like makeup, hair expectations, etc. The biggest issue with our new dress code coming up in March is not about what we will be wearing but that we will be able to show our tattoos unlike we were able to do before. Some of the older fashioned employees do not care for the new policy while the newer and affected employees ,like myself, do. In some cases it may just be implemented more to those in a higher position. "...Positions with a high degree of public exposure (e.g., television news anchors) are filled by attractive people."(Shahani-Denning, Comila. Physical Attractiveness Bias in Hiring. Print.) Tattoos can be controlled but scars and natural flaws are not. I believe that as long as the position being offered is specifically described there is no way that an applicant can disagree on how they must look in order to receive the job, BUT, I do believe that employers and companies should consider the kind of company they want to be before implementing such positions that are based off of physical appearance. "Some research has been conducted examining the general physical attractiveness stereotype (What is beautiful is good), which found general support for the PA bias even in cultures that are collectivist, where you might expect less bias."(Shahani-Denning, Comila. Physical Attractiveness Bias in Hiring. Print.)

EOC: Worker's Rights

I believe that the National Employment Lawyers Association sponsored the "work place fariness" website in order to educate possible clients and those who need more information about the basic rights that they have as workers in the United States. There are numerous resources that are available to help Americans research their rights in the workplace on this site. The key resources that are commonly used for research are discrimination, harassment and other workplace problems, and health and safety/workplace injuries. A personal example that I can relate to is getting injured on the job. Numerous people in my families have been hurt at least once or twice while working and there are certain policies and procedures that are to be followed in the event of an injury. Some jobs may advise you to go home and rest but fail to inform you that you must be seen by the companies doctor and in some cases allowed worker's compensation. Most employees do not look into their rights in detail but when they do it is usually related to injuries on the job. In the workplace health and safety protection section it states, "inform your supervisor as soon as possible and/or call OSHA at 800-321-OSHA (6742). Although you may be legally permitted to walk off the job if you are in imminent danger, your right to do so is limited, and so it is best to report the hazard before you make the decision to walk off the job." That information could be vital when it comes to the rights you have after being injured. Some people try to ignore their injuries in order to prevent a long process of paperwork but it is important to make sure that there are no long-term affects.  There is also important information about OSHA and the regulations they require in the workplace. OSHA has different standards for different industries. "OSHA standards are divided into four categories: general industry, maritime, construction, and agriculture." The most specific work-related issues can best be addressed when the employer and company follow all of the correct procedures and training to prevent such issues. "Knowing your rights can be the difference between a successful career and an issue that could have been prevented."

Week 2 EOC: Returning Veterans

Veterans are also known as heroes in our country. They come back home in uniform and sometimes with medals for the things that they have done. Spending time with family and relaxing after being away for so long is obviously the first thing on their mind, but what happens when a veteran either comes home to nothing or needs to support his or her family? That is when they start looking for every day work like being a sales associate at a retail store or possibly being a greeter for Walmart like most older veterans do. When a veteran re-enters the work force after being in action it is harder to integrate them. Many of our veterans come back with PTSD, depression, or sometimes physical long-term wounds. Unfortunately, our "heroes" are given the worst or undesirable jobs when they are fortunate enough to land a job. They are given the jobs that do not require much interaction or tedious jobs that are hard to tolerate. It is harder to reteach someone or work with them when they have certain obstacles like PTSD that disable them from completing the simplest tasks. Loud noises may trigger a traumatic experience and in the end cause them to respond in a way that most people do not know how to handle. In some cases it is dangerous for them to be in areas with large amounts of people. Most of the time they don't even make it past the first week without something happening. Today there is more understanding when it comes to hiring veterans but the problems they face when applying for a job are not yet resolved completely. In time I am sure that we will see more organizations that support disabled veterans that find it harder to rejoin the work force and soon will find a way to incorporate our heroes properly back into the work place.

My Voice

       When I wake up in the morning the first thing I think of is what I am going to wear. I get out of bed and run a quick image of the contents in my closet through my mind. After I have decided what to wear I start everything else. Fashion is my life. It is not only the most important part of who I am but the most important outlet in my life. I grew up knowing that I loved fashion. I didn't just stumble upon it one day. Ever since I was a child and could operate a sewing machine, around age 6, I began designing and creating. With my colored pencils in hand and all of the scrap paper I could ever dream of I began drawing. I didn't doodle stick figures and flowers like most girls. I started out with a vision and transferred that vision onto paper. I could create countless outfits for numerous occasions and people.
       One day I started creating things for myself. I would take clothes that didn't fit anymore or that I couldn't stand to wear and would make them into something completely knew. The first thing I made was a shirt. I had some material that my mom had given me and decided that it would make a lovely tank top, and it did. Throughout the years I taught myself how to sew basically Mostly through trial and error I had my successes and failures. It taught me that I could create anything that I wanted to and most importantly that I could do anything that I put my mind to. From that point on I decided that my passion would be my future career.
      Now that I am in school for Fashion Retail Management I plan to absorb as much as possible to become a success in the fashion industry. I will own my own line and boutique some day in the near future. The Art Institutes is the perfect place for me because it is a place for creativity. There are other people just like me that have the same goal in mind; to fulfill their desire in pursuing their passion. I am not just a designer but an artist, a creator, and an admirer for all things artistic.

Best Job VS Worst Job

My worst job was coincidentally my very first “real” job. I started 13 days after I turned 16 at Carter’s Inc. as a sales associate. My days consisted of repeatedly straightening onsies and baby accessories while dealing with unruly children and most of the time their angry moms. At first I loved how simple it seemed but was shown how it would all change. I started to see the different sides of my employers. Some days they would be fine, most days it seemed like I was their way of getting all of their personal anger out. I was later promised a position as a supervisor and was even trained for it. Days before my set promotion date I was told that the position had to be given to another employee. At that point I was fed up with the treatment I started to receive on a daily basis despite my hard work and loyalty and decided it might be time to find a different job after 2 years of hard yet unappreciated work. Both Coach and Michael Kors recruited me while I was contemplating resigning from Carter’s. After a few interviews at both stores and weighing out the pros and cons, I chose Coach. I have been working for Coach since July 14^th of 2014 and love it. The rate I started at was unbelievable and I was also offered aide with my tuition through the company. Aside from the benefits I love what I do and the people I work with. I am now treated with respect and am allowed to exercise my creative abilities daily through visual displays and other responsibilities that have been given to me. The company even offered me a paid internship in New York for Design. As a sales associate I meet pleasant people more than I do the unpleasant ones and each customer seems like a friendly acquaintance rather than a sale. I have the luxury of enjoying where I work and doing something that I love. Your best job cannot get any better than that.