A study suggests that most formal workplace reporting structures have been built around strict hierarchies and power dynamics wherein employees are expected to report upwards to their immediate supervisors.
It is evident that many employees feel pressured to engage in sexual behavior despite these reporting structures which may cause them to lose control over their personal life and professional career.
While some organizations offer hotlines for reporting such incidents, many victims fear losing their jobs if they speak out against colleagues who hold positions of power. This makes them unable to bring forth complaints regarding any form of harassment or discrimination due to its serious consequences. Sexual behaviors challenge formal reporting structures as employees often feel hesitant to lodge complaints without support from their seniors. As a result, many cases go unreported leading to an increase in harassment cases within the workplace.
There's evidence that when sexualized behaviors occur between senior and junior members of staff, it becomes difficult to identify and address them without affecting the career progression of the latter. In some instances, those who complain about such acts are forced to leave their jobs due to intimidation and retaliation. While employers must ensure accountability lines, this poses a significant risk to employees who want to preserve their careers but don't wish to be part of a toxic environment. In addition, those with informal relationships with managers can also face difficulties when filing reports on fellow workers who cross boundaries.
The culture of secrecy surrounding sexually charged environments can make it challenging for employees to seek external help.
Employees involved in sexual misconduct may not talk about it openly for fear of being branded a whistleblower or jeopardizing their job security.
They might fear losing the trust and confidence of their peers while trying to expose those who engage in such activities. This leads to a lack of support networks for victims of sexual misconduct which further aggravates the situation.
In what ways do sexualized behaviors challenge formal reporting structures and accountability lines?
Sexualized behavior is an act of using sex as a tool for power, control, manipulation, or gratification. It can include unwanted touching, sexual comments, gestures, jokes, and other actions that make another individual uncomfortable or violate their boundaries. When someone engages in sexualized behavior at work, it often challenges the formal reporting structure because it creates a hostile work environment where people feel unsafe and unable to trust each other.