Impact of sexual harassment in the workplace
We looked
recently at the importance of sexual harassment policies in the workplace,
to help employers and managers create safe, inclusive work spaces for their
staff. As we’ve said before, all employees have the right to work in a positive
and non-threatening work environment, free from any form of Sexual harassment in the workplace.
Unfortunately,
this isn’t always the case, with sexual harassment remaining a serious issue
for many American workplaces. Being subjected to unwelcome and inappropriate behaviour
at work, while trying to carry on and perform well under the usual stresses of
a job, can have damaging and long-lasting effects on an individual.
When incidences of sexual harassment occur within a company, they also
have serious repercussions and consequences for the organization as a whole. In
the United States, laws have been put in place to protect both employees and
employers from the long-reaching impacts of sexual harassment. Did you know
that as an employer, neglecting to implement and practice proper
anti-harassment policies may be a violation of both state and federal law?
Today we’ll look at how sexual harassment impacts the workplace and the
negative effects it can have for both individuals and organizations. We’ll also
point you in the direction of some online resources containing more information
about workplace harassment, to help you navigate this important topic.
How Sexual Harassment Impact Employees
When an employee is being subjected to Harassment at
work, the workplace becomes a
hostile environment, with the constant threat of physical and/or emotional
harm. This can lead to severe distress for victims, with individuals at risk of
developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or panic
attacks, as well as the physical symptoms that accompany these disorders.
Low productivity, motivation and morale levels, or high rates of sick
leave or absenteeism, may also be signs that an employee is suffering from some
form of harassment. As well as causing direct and immediate suffering for
individuals, sexual harassment can interfere with work performance, career
progression and even result in people being forced out of their job and income
completely.
How Sexual Harassment Impacts Organizations
A workplace environment that fails to properly address the issue of
sexual harassment will be at risk of developing signs of a negative work
culture – low morale, discontent employees and high levels of absenteeism will
soon be reflected in lower productivity and profits.
Financially, companies can expect to face higher rates of staff
turnover, with the added strains of hiring and training new staff, as well as
the expense of sexual harassment law suits. A sexual harassment law suit will
cost your company significant amounts of money, in addition to damaging your
reputation and brand name.
For more for information about Sexual
harassment of women at workplace visit on dimenzion3
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