HOW TO DEAL WITH SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT THE WORKPLACE

According to a global study carried out by ILO-Lloyd’s Register Foundation-Gallup, a staggering 23% of workers have experienced one or more forms of sexual harassment in the workplace. To put this into context, it means that more than one out of every five employee worldwide have had to deal with sexual harassment, and to translate this into actual figures, we are speaking about a total of about 750 million employees worldwide.

This is a very critical situation we have on our hands, but no to worry, this article will be revealing proven strategies to prevent and curb this menace. But before we get started on the solutions, let’s dig deeper and find out more about sexual harassment in order to have a perfect understanding of what it is.

What Is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment in the workplace includes any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating or hostile environment. It affects employees’ ability to work without fear and violates their right to a safe workplace.

Examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include:

Unwanted Advances: Persistent, unwelcome attempts to initiate a relationship.
Inappropriate Touching: Physical interactions without consent, such as touching, hugging, or brushing against someone.
Verbal Harassment: Sexual jokes, comments about appearance, or inappropriate inquiries about someone’s personal life.
Non-Verbal Harassment: Sexual gestures, suggestive images, or intimidating body language.
Quid Pro Quo Harassment: Requests for sexual favours in exchange for promotions, raises, or continued employment.

Sexual harassment can occur between colleagues, managers and employees, or even customers and clients. The impact on the recipient—not the intent of the behaviour—defines harassment.

Sexual Harassment vs. Assault

Understanding the distinction between sexual harassment and assault is critical. Sexual harassment involves unwelcome behaviours of a sexual nature in the workplace, while sexual assault refers to non-consensual physical acts. Both are serious issues, and legal action may be required to address them.

If you’re unsure about your situation, consulting with lawyers for sexually harassed individuals can clarify your rights and next steps.

How Common Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue. Studies indicate that many workers experience harassment or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. These incidents disproportionately affect younger employees, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and racialized workers.

For example, surveys show that younger women, particularly those aged 25-34, report higher rates of harassment. These findings emphasize the need for proactive prevention and strong workplace legal protections.

Your Rights If You’ve Been Sexually Harassed at Work

If you believe you’ve experienced sexual harassment, it is important to act quickly:

Document Incidents: Keep records of dates, details, and evidence.
Report the Behaviour: Notify your HR department or manager using established procedures.
Seek Legal Guidance: Lawyers for sexually harassed individuals can help you file a formal complaint, explore legal remedies, and advocate for your rights.

Time limitations may apply, so acting promptly is crucial to preserving your legal options.

Preventing Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Sexual harassment is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in the workplace. It can take on the form of verbal or physical conduct. Lots of victims are so shy to complain due to the stigma and choose rather keep quiet. However, there are different ways and right approaches to deal with sexual harassment at the workplace, but this actually depends on your particular situation, the following are practical ways to address this challenge:

Talk to the Person Directly

Communicate your disapproval to him. Try as much as possible to avoid being alone with him. You can ask the person harassing you to stop, however, if he doesn’t, you can inform him you intend to file a report and take further action.

Find other Victims and Witnesses

Support your claim by searching for other victims of sexual harassment by your harasser who had filed complaints in the past. Secure the testimony of any witnesses of your incidents in writing as evidence.

Keep a record

If he isn’t getting the message, prepare to report him. Gather evidence to substantiate your claims. Note down the date, time and details of each incident. Save any emails or text messages that contain inappropriate language and use your mobile phone recorder to discreetly record his remarks.

Inform Your Supervisor

If talking to your harasser doesn’t stop the harassing behavior, you can personally report all incidents to your immediate supervisor or write him in detail the sequence of events.

Contact the HR Manager

It's significant you contact your human resources manager as well. Human resources can inform you of the necessary action you need to take concerning the sexual harassment incidents due to their expertise.

External resources

If your company doesn’t take any action on your complaint or doesn’t penalize the one harassing you, you can approach the National Commission for Women Affairs. They can approach the company on your behalf in an effort to force it to take action.

Devise a Plan B

You may be tempted to leave your job; however, you should only contemplate this if the person harassing you is threatening you violently. But you can alternatively consider changing your branch to another office branch before opting to quit or look for another job. Leaving without an option may result in a feeling of powerlessness.

Why Choose Legal Help?

Addressing sexual harassment effectively often requires legal assistance. Whether you’re a victim seeking justice or an employer aiming to foster a safe workplace, having knowledgeable legal guidance ensures that your actions are compliant and effective. If you’ve been sexually harassed at work, lawyers for sexually harassed individuals can provide the support and experience needed to handle your case. Don’t wait to act—contact experienced legal professionals to discuss your situation and take the first steps toward resolution.