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Sexual Harassment: How You’re Affected
By infringing on the work relationship, sexual harassment denies coworkers the mutual respect needed for a healthy workplace. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment, you may feel violated or intimidated. You may also worry that your job or career will be in jeopardy if you speak out.
Personal Dignity
Is the victim at fault? No. But after experiencing sexual harassment, a person’s self-worth may be shaken. Many victims try to avoid future incidents by staying away from the harasser or by changing the way they dress. If harassment continues, victims may become anxious, fearful, or angry. Left unresolved, these emotions may cause headaches, stomach and sleep problems, and depression.
Job Performance
Those who experience sexual harassment in the workplace are likely to be less focused and less productive than usual. In an attempt to avoid the harasser, they may be late to or absent from work more often. Other employees are also affected. Those who witness or hear about the harassment may feel angry, frustrated, or even confused. Conflict among employees may increase.
Innocent but Unwelcome?
The impact your behavior has on others determines whether or not it is sexual harassment. You may unknowingly harass another employee, depending on how that person interprets your actions. With this in mind, ask yourself these questions.
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Do I make sexual jokes or talk about sexual situations when others may overhear?
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Do I ask my coworkers about their sex lives?
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Do I force my attentions on a coworker, perhaps by repeatedly asking for a date?
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Do I have cartoons, photographs, or other materials in my workspace that might be considered sexually offensive?
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Do I invade other people’s space by standing too close or touching them during conversation?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to change your behavior. As a general rule, if a behavior might be unacceptable in the workplace, don’t do it.
