In today's world, it is hard to deny that sexualized culture has become prevalent in many aspects of life, including workplaces. From advertising campaigns to office parties, sexualization seems to be everywhere.
How does this affect employees' engagement, satisfaction, and retention? Let's explore this question further.
We need to understand what is meant by "sexualized culture". It refers to an environment where sexuality is often present and highlighted in various forms, such as suggestive jokes, flirting between coworkers, or provocative attire. This type of atmosphere can create feelings of discomfort for some employees while others may feel more comfortable and empowered. In fact, studies show that when employees perceive their workplace as sexually charged, they are less likely to report high job satisfaction levels and more likely to experience burnout (1).
A study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that women who reported experiencing sexual harassment were twice as likely to leave their jobs within a year compared to those who did not experience harassment (2).
Let's look at how this can impact employee engagement. When employees feel uncomfortable with the level of sexualization in their workplace, they may become less engaged with their work and their colleagues. They may also feel like they have to conform to certain standards of behavior to fit in, which can lead to dissatisfaction and lower productivity (3).
If sexualized behavior is seen as acceptable or even encouraged, it can create a hostile environment for some employees who don't want to participate. This can lead to decreased collaboration and trust among team members, negatively impacting overall morale and performance.
Let's consider how sexualized culture affects retention. Employees who are unhappy with the sexualized culture of their workplace may choose to leave, especially if they feel they cannot report issues without fear of reprisal. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, 48% of workers say that they would quit their current job if they could find one that matches their values better (4). If an organization creates a workplace where sexualized behavior is allowed or encouraged, it may struggle to retain talented employees who value diversity, equality, and respect.
While sex and sexuality can be fun and exciting, when taken too far, it can create negative consequences for employees. Companies need to take steps to ensure that their workplaces are inclusive, safe, and free from harassment, so everyone feels comfortable and supported. By doing so, they can improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention while creating a more positive work environment for all.
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC75960424/
2. https://hbr.org/2018/03/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace-how-common-is-it-really
3. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-sciences/pages/the-impact-of-a-sexually-charged-workplace-on-employee-engagement-.aspx
4. https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/268134/employees-quit-jobs-values-fit.aspx
How does sexualized culture influence employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention?
Sexualization of workplace culture may impact employees' engagement, satisfaction, and retention by creating a distracting environment that impairs their productivity, affects their mental health, decreases respect towards management, and damages relationships among colleagues. This phenomenon has been associated with lower job performance, higher turnover rates, reduced morale, and increased stress levels.