Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Put an End to Inappropriate Behavior at Work
Workplace sexual harassment is a widespread problem that undermines employees' safety, dignity, and productivity.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a pervasive issue that undermines the safety, dignity, and productivity of employees. Addressing and preventing sexual harassment is not only a legal obligation for employers but also a moral imperative to foster a safe, healthy, and productive work environment.
According to the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature in the workplace or learning environment. Sexual harassers can be any gender and can have any relationship to the victim, including direct or indirect supervisor, coworker, teacher, colleague, or peer.
Sexual harassment encompasses a range of unwelcome behaviors, including verbal, non-verbal, and physical actions of a sexual nature. These behaviors can create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Here are various ways sexual harassment may show up in your workplace or school:
Verbal Harassment
Verbal harassment can include inappropriate comments, jokes, or questions about someone’s appearance, gender, or personal life. Discussing sexual relationships, stories, and fantasies in at work or school is both inappropriate and harmful.
Harassers, specifically those in a position of authority, may request sexual favors in exchange for employment or promotion, or they may make the conditions of continued employment or advancement dependent on sex. These advances may be explicit or implicit, depending on the nature of the relationship.
Non-verbal harassment:
Non-verbal harassment can include unwanted gestures, staring, or displaying sexually suggestive materials. This may include sending sexually explicit photos, emails, or texts. A victim may feel pressured to engage with someone sexually or experience unwanted attention from a co-worker. Harassers may expose themselves at the workplace or make inappropriate physical gestures.
Physical harassment:
Physical forms of harassment in the workplace can include unwelcome touching, hugging, or other forms of physical contact. Unwelcome sexual advances can lead to sexual assault. Sexual assault encompasses any unwanted sexual contact or behavior perpetrated against a person without their consent. Sexual harassment is a violation of civil rights that entitles individuals to a safe work or learning environment but often does not constitute a criminal offense. Sexual assault, on the other hand, is a criminal act.
The Impact of Sexual Harassment
The consequences of sexual harassment are far-reaching. Victims often experience psychological distress, decreased job satisfaction, and impaired professional relationships. The workplace atmosphere can become toxic, leading to lower morale, reduced productivity, and increased employee turnover. Furthermore, organizations may face legal repercussions, financial losses, and damage to their reputation. Emotional effects can include humiliation, shame, anger, false guilt, and betrayal. They may experience impacts on their mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, loss of motivation, and/or substance abuse. It can affect their stress levels at work, and lead to physical symptoms like insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and/or appetite changes.
Sexual abuse survivors may be especially vulnerable to inappropriate advances at work. Past trauma and toxic shame can keep them from speaking up about sexual harassment at work. Trees of Hope’s Executive Director, Nicole Escobar experienced this firsthand:
“It was that perfectionist, people-pleasing personality that actually kept me in a job for years, even though my boss was sexually harassing me. Because I learned how to silence that voice when I was being sexually abused, I was able to activate that in moments when my boss was saying inappropriate comments to me, and making sexual advances.”
What to Do About Sexual Harassment
While employers play a crucial role in preventing sexual harassment, employees also have responsibilities:
Stay Informed: Understand what constitutes sexual harassment and be aware of the company’s policies and procedures.
Speak Up: Report any incidents of harassment, whether experienced personally or witnessed. Silence perpetuates the problem.
Support Colleagues: Stand in solidarity with victims, offer support, and encourage them to report incidents. Bystander intervention can be a powerful tool in preventing harassment.
Preventing Sexual Harassment: Strategies for Employers
Sexual harassment is prohibited under various laws and regulations worldwide. In the United States, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a key federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces these laws and provides guidelines for employers to prevent and address harassment.
Develop a Clear Policy: Establish a comprehensive sexual harassment policy that defines unacceptable behavior, outlines reporting procedures, and specifies consequences for violators. Ensure the policy is easily accessible and communicated to all employees.
Foster a Respectful Culture: Promote a workplace culture that encourages open dialogue, mutual respect, and zero tolerance for harassment.
Training and Education: Provide regular training sessions for all employees, including management, on recognizing, preventing, and responding to sexual harassment. Emphasize the importance of bystander intervention and the responsibility of all employees to maintain a safe work environment.
Effective Reporting Mechanisms: Implement multiple, confidential channels for reporting harassment. Ensure employees know how to report incidents and feel safe doing so without fear of retaliation.
Prompt and Fair Investigations: Take all complaints seriously and conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations. Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible and take appropriate disciplinary action based on the findings.
Support for Victims: Provide support to victims of harassment, including access to counseling services, medical assistance, and legal resources. Ensure they are protected from further harm and retaliation.
Regular Monitoring and Review: Continuously monitor the workplace environment and review policies and procedures to ensure their effectiveness. Gather feedback from employees and make necessary adjustments.
Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace is essential for creating a safe, respectful, and productive environment. It requires a collective effort from employers and employees alike. By implementing robust policies, fostering a culture of respect, and ensuring accountability, organizations can protect their employees and promote a positive workplace atmosphere. Addressing and preventing sexual harassment is a responsibility that benefits everyone in the workplace.
Despite common misconceptions, workplace harassment is frequently subtle, which can make it difficult to recognize and address. However, you have the right to a work environment free from such mistreatment. Trees of Hope provides anEmployee Harassment Survival Guide. This resource clearly outlines your legal rights and the steps you can take when facing sexual harassment. The guide also answers common questions and offers practical advice to empower and protect you.
If you have experienced sexual harassment and/or abuse, you may be experiencing profound grief and shame. Trees of Hope is dedicated to supporting you on your healing journey and learn how to establish healthy boundaries. Our local Shelter Groups provide a safe, non-judgmental space for survivors to share their experiences. We invite you to explore our upcoming Healing Groups in South Florida and Orlando. For those outside these regions, our Shelter Online course is also available.
