The topic of sex and sexuality is one that has been around since the beginning of time and will continue to be an intriguing and fascinating subject for many people.
When it comes to the workplace, sexualization can lead to some serious issues for organizations. Sexualization refers to when there are unprofessional interactions between co-workers or supervisors and their employees in regards to their physical appearances, personalities, and/or behaviors. This type of behavior can create a negative impact on culture, cohesion, and performance within the organization.
Culture
When sexualized dynamics become prevalent in the workplace, it can cause a shift in the overall culture of the company. Employees may feel uncomfortable or uneasy about being in close proximity to each other due to fear of unwanted advances or comments from others. This discomfort can lead to tension among coworkers which could then affect how they interact with each other outside of work as well. It also creates an atmosphere where employees do not trust management and are unsure if they will be taken seriously regarding their concerns about harassment or discrimination.
Cohesion
Sexualized dynamics in the workplace can have a negative effect on team cohesion because those who engage in such behavior may feel excluded by their peers while trying to fit into the group dynamic. There is likely going to be some level of resentment towards them because it puts them at odds with everyone else who doesn't participate in this type of behavior.
Those that don't partake in these activities may find themselves feeling outcasted because they are seen as "prudes" for not wanting to join in on conversations or actions surrounding sexually suggestive topics.
Performance
Performance suffers when there is an imbalance between genders or departments due to sexualization in the workplace because it causes distractions and distrust amongst workers. If someone feels like they cannot speak up without being judged or retaliated against, then they might not perform well under pressure because they lack motivation and enthusiasm for completing tasks assigned by managers or co-workers alike. They may also avoid certain projects altogether just so they don't have to interact with people involved in such situations again.
Sexualized dynamics in the workplace create tension among coworkers, reduce productivity levels, and diminish morale for all parties involved. Organizations should take steps to ensure that employees feel comfortable reporting any instances where they witness unprofessional behaviors or comments happening around them so that action can be taken quickly before more damage occurs within the company culture overall.
What are the long-term organizational effects of sexualized workplace dynamics on culture, cohesion, and performance?
Sexualized workplace dynamics have been shown to negatively impact an organization's long-term performance by creating a hostile and unproductive environment. Studies show that employees who feel sexually harassed or discriminated against may experience lower job satisfaction, decreased productivity, and even physical and mental health issues (Burke & Kearns, 2019). This can lead to high turnover rates and difficulty retaining top talent.