How Common Is Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?

Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a significant issue despite decades of efforts to create more inclusive and productive environments. While progress has been made, harassment continues to be common across various industries, affecting countless individuals and requiring ongoing training and awareness. 

In this blog, we’ll cover what constitutes sexual harassment, and we’ll share sexual harassment statistics to put into perspective just how common sexual harassment actually is and what strategies you can implement to prevent workplace sexual harassment. 

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual’s employment, creates a hostile work environment, or interferes with their performance. 

Types of Sexual Harassment 

There are two primary types of sexual harassment: 

1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment 

Quid pro quo harassment, which translates to “this for that,” occurs when employment decisions or benefits are directly linked to an employee's acceptance or rejection of unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. 

This type of harassment is typically perpetrated by someone in a position of power, such as a manager or supervisor, who has authority over hiring, firing, promotions, salary increases, job assignments, or other aspects of employment.

2. Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment arises when unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. 

Unlike quid pro quo harassment, which usually involves a direct exchange or demand, hostile work environment harassment can involve a range of behaviors that contribute to a workplace atmosphere that feels threatening or abusive to one or more employees.

Sexual Harassment Statistics

Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.

Here are some additional key sexual harassment statistics from Pasternak Law: 

• Between FY 2018 and 2021, women filed 78.2% of all sexual harassment charges, and men filed 21.8%. 
• Approximately 54% to 81% of women report experiencing some level of workplace sexual harassment.
• Men report harassment by women (68%) and men (57%).
• Certain industries show higher rates, such as media (41% for women, 22% for men) and technology (37% for women, 12% for men).
• Rural areas report a higher incidence (26%) compared to urban (21%) and suburban (18%) settings. 

Moreover, according to the Pew Research Center: 

• 35% of women believe they have been paid less than their male counterparts.
• 37% of women who say their workplace is mostly male report they have been treated as if they were not competent because of their gender. 

Prevalence of Sexual Harassment 

Sexual harassment is widespread across various industries. Approximately 38% of women and 14% of men have reported experiencing harassment at work, indicating the issue affects a significant portion of the workforce. 

However, sexual harassment in the workplace often goes unreported. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) estimates that 75% of all workplace harassment goes unreported, and 75% of victims face retaliation after reporting harassment. 

Prevention Strategies for Workplace Harassment: Focus on Effective Training Programs

While strategies like encouraging employees to act when they witness harassment and ensuring that middle managers are equipped to handle complaints and enforce policies are crucial for sexual harassment prevention in the workplace, sexual harassment training is just as critical. 

By educating employees on recognizing, preventing, and responding to inappropriate behavior, employees can make a change and help prevent workplace harassment. These programs should be tailored to the cultural contexts and specific sexual harassment laws of each state.

State-Specific Training Programs:

• New York: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Employees focuses on state-mandated requirements and reporting protocols.
• Colorado: The Colorado Sexual Harassment Prevention Training covers state-specific laws and provides practical scenarios for employees.
• California: California Sexual Harassment Prevention Training includes specific regulations like AB 1825, focusing on the obligations of employers and the rights of employees.
• Florida: The Florida Sexual Harassment Prevention Training aims to educate employees about their rights under state and federal laws and provide strategies to create a respectful workplace. 

These programs, offered by a trusted provider like 360taining, emphasize a thorough understanding of legal standards, foster a respectful workplace culture, and reduce instances of harassment by equipping employees and supervisors with the tools to act appropriately in various scenarios.