How To Fight Sexual Harassment in Healthcare
Sexual harassment in healthcare is a serious issue that compromises the well-being of employees and patients alike. While strides have been made toward raising awareness, there is still much work to be done to effectively tackle this problem. This blog aims to equip healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to fight sexual harassment. From understanding what sexual harassment is to implementing preventive measures, we’ll cover everything you need to know to advocate for a safer and more respectful healthcare environment.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment includes a wide range of unwanted behaviors, including sexual advances, sexual requests or requests for sexual favors, and many other physical or verbal sexually related behaviors. Though always illegal and improper, it becomes more serious when involving positions of authority, such as supervisors, managers, or direct employers. Any of these actions are considered harassment when they affect someone’s employment or work performance or otherwise create a hostile work environment.
The relevant regulation for sexual harassment is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act states that it is illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. According to title VII, harassment becomes unlawful when it either creates an abusive, hostile, or intimidating work environment or it becomes a condition of maintaining employment.
It can be hard to know when a specific instance meets the standard of sexual harassment, but individuals should be well aware of the basic standards and keep far away from anything that can come across as sexual harassment.
What Does and Doesn’t Qualify as Sexual Harassment
Workspace conversations and interactions can be hard to navigate. It is important to recognize what is classified as harassment and what isn’t. Some things that don’t constitute harassment include offhand comments, casual jokes, socially or culturally appropriate compliments, or non-serious and isolated incidents. With non-serious isolated incidents, it’s important to recognize that repeated incidents can become harassment even if the behavior is considered non-serious.
Something that must be considered is that consensual and reciprocated interactions, including those of a sexual nature, fall outside of the scope of harassment unless they contribute to an offensive or hostile environment. Understanding the nuances of the bounds of sexual harassment is vital in every workplace, but in healthcare, it can affect not only other employees but also patient care.
Sexual Harassment Statistics in Healthcare
Sexual harassment prevention starts with understanding how prevalent it can be in the workplace. One study examined sexual harassment among surgery residents and found some alarming results. The study found that 42% of female residents experienced sexual harassment, compared to 22% of male residents. Said harassment was not from other professionals alone, with 67% of healthcare providers reporting harassment from patients. Women were more than twice as likely to experience harassment from patients, though as many as 40% of men reported this.
Harassment can take many forms, and the study found how common various types were. Of those who had experienced harassment, 85% reported comments on appearance, 59% reported marital status inquiries, 35% reported sexual jokes, and 11% reported being asked on a date.
Importance of Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Sexual harassment in the medical field is unique in some ways, but prevention strategies only need to be slightly adjusted to be effective. Understanding these strategies is crucial for a safer, more supportive medical workplace.
To prevent conflicts on a personal level, set clear boundaries early, using clear language to clarify treatment as unacceptable or inappropriate. When things get out of hand, use de-escalation tactics, remind patients of their job as medical professionals, and ask for assistance from another medical professional.
To avoid workplace harassment, you should avoid inappropriate behavior, confront the situation when necessary, and seek a mediator. If harassment occurs from a colleague, make it clear that it will not be tolerated. If it comes from a superior, find a leadership figure to resolve the situation.
Workplaces are required to do what they can to assist in preventing and confronting harassment of all kinds, and knowing those policies is crucial so you can prevent and intervene against harassment. Workplace anti-sexual harassment policies, a zero-tolerance policy, clear reporting standards, a centralized anonymous reporting system, and required training for supervisors and junior employees are examples of institutional preventive measures.
What Can Be Done
Encouraging a safe work environment helps to develop happy and efficient workplaces. To ensure staff morale and patient well-being, strong commitments and effective management of workplace harassment are crucial. Preventative training programs, such as Harassment and Sexual Harassment for Healthcare Worker offered by 360training, can help individuals and leaders take preemptive measures and establish a more secure and civil workplace. We also offer the same course for managers and supervisors. Get started by enrolling today!
