Many times, workplace harassment gets out of control because no one says anything. The person being harassed doesn't want to “make a big deal” of it, and their employer either doesn't know or doesn't want another problem on their hands. But being passive only makes matters worse. Employees need to speak up for themselves, but employers must also be proactive about dealing with inappropriate behavior.

When non-profits raise funds, they depend upon delicate personal relationships with high-powered donors. As Holly Hall reports in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, women comprise the majority of fund raisers in the non-profit sector, and this brings with it opportunities for sexual harassment. Hall reveals, “In many cases, those women are appealing to older, more powerful men for large donations... And they often visit donors in their homes or meet them in social settings where alcohol and personal information are freely exchanged.”

Today more than ever, companies are seeking recognition not only in terms of their productivity, but also in employee satisfaction. Indeed, the two are linked. Counselor Magazine editor Andy Cohen says, “A great workplace is a singular harbinger of corporate success...companies that provide a place employees simply love to come to are outpacing the industry growth.” Cohen's publication recently announced the 10 best places to work among advertising specialty companies based on employee surveys administered across the country.

Now that criminal charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former IMF chief who was accused of sexually assaulting a New York hotel maid, have been dropped, people are left scratching their heads. Strauss-Kahn's supporters are hailing the new turn of events as a victory, proof that law enforcement and the media had unfairly labeled him as guilty without waiting for the facts to emerge. Some have taken it one step further, saying that the DSK case demonstrates that those who bring sexual assault claims should be met with suspicion. Others, however, are confused—wasn't there physical evidence of sexual contact? Why would a hotel maid consent—as DSK alleges—to sex with a strange hotel guest while on the job? Do the inconsistencies in the hotel maid's statements mean that we should ignore her claims altogether?

As reported in the Washington Post, President Obama issued an executive order last week to promote workplace diversity on the federal level. “The federal government has a special opportunity to lead by example,” said John Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management. “We will only succeed in our critical mission with a workforce that hails from, represents and is connected to the needs of every American community.” According to the report, over 81% of the workforce at the senior pay level is still white.