Sexual harassment has been an issue that is prevalent in many organizations for decades. It's unethical behavior that is demeaning and makes women feel unsafe at their place of employment. While most companies have rules against this type of conduct, there are still some cases where it occurs. Employees who don't want to be victims of these types of incidents need to know how they can handle them ethically and safely. In this blog post, you will learn how to navigate through sexualized workplace dynamics without becoming a victim.
1) Know your company policy - Every organization has policies regarding sexual conduct between employees. These regulations explain what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Be sure you are familiar with them so you can follow them. If you see something happening that violates the code of conduct, report it immediately. Don't wait until later because it may escalate into a more serious situation.
2) Have clear boundaries - Setting boundaries helps you stay safe from unwanted advances or comments. You should never accept anything sexual from anyone at work unless you initiated it yourself.
If someone invites you out after hours, tell them no thank you, I am working tonight. You shouldn't compromise your values just because someone wants to go out with you. Remember, it's up to you how far you go with anyone.
3) Report any incident - If someone crosses the line, make sure to report it right away. Even if you think nothing will happen, speak up anyway. Many times, people get away with doing things that aren't acceptable. By reporting them early, you help protect others in the future. Also, you show everyone else that such behaviors won't be tolerated within the organization.
4) Use body language - Body language plays an essential role in telling whether someone is being inappropriate or not. Pay attention to how people act around you. If they touch you too much, stare at you often, or try to corner you alone, they might be crossing the line. Keep your distance and avoid getting involved in private conversations. When possible, sit next to co-workers instead of across from each other.
5) Know who to talk to - In many cases, victims feel uncomfortable talking about what happened to their supervisors or managers. Instead, seek advice from human resources professionals or an attorney. They understand laws regarding workplace harassment better than anyone else. Talking to coworkers may not solve the issue but rather lead to more problems down the road. Therefore, seek professional assistance when needed.
What strategies can employees employ to navigate sexualized workplace dynamics ethically and safely?
It is not unusual for there to be some degree of flirtation and harmless teasing in the workplace as colleagues get to know each other better, but when it becomes more serious, it can make things uncomfortable and even dangerous. It can also lead to issues such as favoritism, favoring one employee over another due to personal feelings rather than professional qualifications.