Ending Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Strategies for companies to shift thoughts and behavior and create safe environments for everyone

Sexual harassment can harm virtually everyone, according to the findings of a 2018 study by the non-profit group Stop Street Harassment (SSH). The study found that 81% of women and 43% of men had experienced some sort of sexual harassment during their lives. In the workplace, nearly 40% of women had experienced harassment. 

Our willingness to dismiss or overlook sexual harassment is why #MeToo and related efforts to change cultures are so important. With such high percentages of reported victims, it is likely that every single person has either been harassed or is close to someone who has. 

The fallout from sexual harassment can also impact the mental health of a victim, causing depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, the trauma associated with sexual harassment can even damage physical health in the forms of muscle aches, headaches, high blood pressure and problems regulating blood sugar – all of which can lead to cardiovascular issues.

Companies need open, clear communication about these unacceptable and illegal behaviors. The following steps will help organizations discuss the scope of the problem and establish what the company expects of its employees, which will contribute to safe environments for everyone.  

Many companies have adopted online training tools, particularly larger organizations. Although these tools offer significant cost savings, moving sexual harassment training online has proven less effective. 

Companies should consider addressing sexual harassment through in-person training with a qualified educator. Face-to-face interaction lets trainers customize the content and address real-world concerns, which is particularly beneficial with a subject as sensitive as harassment. 

In-person training also provides a forum for effective conversations between women and men about identifying, avoiding and reporting sexual harassment. Sharing these strategies will help draw clear lines and empower people with knowledge. 

Appropriate training will give everyone at a company the same foundation from which to begin, but this must be reinforced by building smart policies. Company leaders will set the appropriate tone by emphasizing that sexual harassment will not be tolerated and outlining simple reporting paths for victims.

Cultures of permissive behavior can haunt companies for years and be extremely difficult to eliminate. As leaders clearly demonstrate that no person should be subjected to sexual harassment – or even feel comfortable with any casual or overt acceptance of it – it will have a beneficial cultural impact across the entire organization.  

When employees are empowered with effective training and supported by all leaders, they become a key part of combatting sexual harassment in the workplace. Encouraging people to identify dangerous circumstances and speak up when they see problems and patterns of misbehavior will help bring an end to this cultural plague. 

Our primary concern with sexual harassment should always be to provide support and understanding for victims. When people know they are seeing harmful actions, they are better equipped to provide that aid. The behavior that leads to a disaster can be very subtle, but outlining clear policies about improper language, close contact, implied offers and much more will help victims and others spot problems before it’s too late. 

Educating and empowering employees about sexual harassment will create supportive environments for victims and help weed out those still inclined to harass. The health and well-being of millions of people depend on eliminating sexual harassment from the workplace.