The way individuals perceive their workplace environment and co-workers can impact their job performance, productivity, and overall happiness.
When it comes to sexualization, there is often an unspoken rule that people are not supposed to talk about or acknowledge its presence. This paper will explore how sexualized perceptions affect employees' engagement, satisfaction, and commitment to their jobs.
How do sexualized perceptions develop?
Sexualization occurs when someone focuses more on another person's physical appearance than their character, skills, personality, or qualities. It could stem from comments made during meetings, interactions at social events, or even casual chats around the office. In some cases, it may be a subtle observation that goes unnoticed until later, while in others, it might be blatant and obvious.
If a boss makes suggestive remarks towards an employee during a one-on-one meeting, they may feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Similarly, if a colleague consistently stares at a coworker's body instead of listening to what they say, it can create a hostile working environment.
Impact of sexualized perceptions on engagement and satisfaction
When an individual experiences sexualization at work, it can negatively affect their job performance and satisfaction levels. They may become anxious, distracted, and unable to focus on tasks due to their discomfort.
This experience may lead them to lose trust in their coworkers and employer, which further contributes to decreased engagement and motivation. Some workers may also choose to leave their current position rather than continue dealing with such an environment.
Effect on commitment
Sexualized perceptions can impact employees' commitment to their jobs. When workers feel unsafe and unsupported, they are less likely to stay in their roles long-term. This is especially true for those who have experienced harassment or other forms of mistreatment. As a result, companies lose talented individuals who could have contributed positively to their teams and projects. It is essential for managers and supervisors to address these issues promptly and effectively to prevent negative consequences.
How do sexualized perceptions affect employee engagement, satisfaction, and commitment?
Sexualization is defined as the act of regarding someone primarily in terms of their sex appeal or sexual attractiveness rather than any other aspect (Rothermund & Singer, 2016). In the workplace, this often means that employees are perceived based on how they look, dress, talk, behave, or express themselves sexually instead of being evaluated based on their job performance, abilities, or qualifications (Lavine et al. , 2018).