Sexual harassment

Are you being harassed at work? You have the right to defend yourself. Here are some actions you can take:

• Respond promptly and set boundaries.
  Clarify the situation as quickly as possible. Make it clear to the individual in question how you feel about a particular action or statement, and demand that this behaviour stops.
• Document the incidents.
  Record what happened, when it occurred, who was present, and the surrounding circumstances.
• Seek support.
  If the situation does not improve, inform your superior about the case (if this is possible in the situation) and contact your HR Partner.
  Additionally, you can contact one of the official ETH contact and advice services for confidential counselling on possible further steps. They also provide information on possible legal steps. Any contact is strictly confidential. Measures are in place to ensure that you will not suffer any negative consequences as a result.

The university ¨C including all superiors and tutors ¨C has a duty to ensure a safe working and learning environment, based on trust and mutual respect. Here are some actions you can take to ensure a safe working and learning environment:

• Set an example.
  Treat all your employees and students equally and respect their individual boundaries. Create a trusting environment in your unit or course to ensure that employees and students know you support them.
• Make it clear that you do not tolerate sexual harassment.
  Highlight the importance of creating a safe working environment in team or department meetings, or create a good communication and conflict culture in your team or in your courses. Express yourself clearly if inappropriate behaviour occurs.
• Do not look the other way!
  Take reports of harassment seriously. Try to stop the inappropriate behaviour as quickly as possible and contact one of our official contact and advice services immediately. Do not conduct any interviews yourself.

ETH Zurich is committed to a culture of looking out for each other. All members are encouraged to actively oppose harassing behaviour. Here are some actions you can take if you observe discriminatory behaviour:

• Ask questions and offer support.
  Seek out the individual concerned and address the issue explicitly. Ask whether they actually feel harassed. If so, encourage them to contact one of the official contact and advice services.
  You can also seek advice from one of the services yourself. All conversations are completely confidential.
• Inform a superior.
  Report your observation to your superior. However, do not take any further steps without the consent of the individual concerned.

If you are not sure whether your behaviour was perceived as harassment by another person, you can still take action:

• Reflect on your behaviour.
  Would you treat a close person (e.g. sister, friend) the same way? How would your behaviour be received by them? You may want to talk to someone else you trust about the incident.
• Talk to the other party.
  Misunderstandings can often be cleared up in a conversation. It is advisable to hold such a conversation in a public place, such as a cafeteria.
• Seek support.
  The Respect Office offers confidential counselling and can arrange for further support if needed.

The external page Equal Opportunities Act defines sexual harassment as any behaviour with a sexual connotation that is unwanted and degrades another person in any way. Harassment may occur while working, studying or attending events. Such conduct may come from employees, students, individuals working for partner companies or external parties.

Sexual harassment is not harmless! In addition to being prohibited by law, it has far-reaching negative consequences not only for those affected, but for our institution as an entity.

Sexual harassment is not tolerated at ETH Zurich and will result in disciplinary measures. ETH Zurich will take formal action, under employment regulations, irrespective of the position or seniority of the person accused of harassment.