Sexualization of Colleagues Can Harm Their Psychological Safety
Sexualization can take many forms but typically involves making someone seem more attractive than they are. This is often done through flirting, touching, or commenting on physical attributes. It can be used deliberately to manipulate people into doing things they would not do otherwise. But it can also happen unintentionally, when people are unaware of their behavior's effects. When this happens to colleagues in the workplace, psychological safety may suffer.
How Does Sexualization Impact Psychological Safety?
Psychological safety refers to how comfortable workers feel expressing themselves without fear of reprisal. Sexualized comments or gestures make some employees uncomfortable and can damage trust between coworkers. Someone who feels sexually objectified might hesitate to share ideas because they don't want to appear like they're seeking attention. They might avoid giving feedback because they worry about how it will be received if it conflicts with the person's feelings. Others might withdraw from social activities altogether, causing them to miss out on opportunities for team building and collaboration.
Can Workers Express Dissenting Opinions If Sexualized?
Workers may fear speaking up if they believe their sexuality affects perceptions of their professional competence. They could think others won't listen or that their views don't matter as much due to their gender identity or appearance. This fear leads to self-censorship and discourages dissenting opinions that could improve company operations. Unchecked, this cycle harms both individuals and businesses.
What Can Companies Do To Address Sexualization?
Companies should ensure managers understand what constitutes sexual harassment and how to report it. They should establish clear policies against unwelcome advances and implement training programs for all staff. Leaders should model appropriate behavior by refraining from sexual jokes or touching.
Companies can provide safe spaces for employees to voice concerns anonymously. By taking these steps, companies can create a workplace where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and perspectives freely.
How does the sexualization of a colleague—voluntary or involuntary—influence their psychological safety and willingness to express dissenting opinions?
The sexualization of a colleague can be defined as the act of making an individual's physical appearance the primary focus and objectifying them as a source of pleasure or arousal rather than treating them as a professional equal. This behavior may arise from cultural norms that emphasize traditional gender roles, power dynamics within organizations, or personal preferences and biases.