Sexualized perception is an umbrella term that refers to the awareness of one's physical attributes related to sexual attraction and desire. It includes a variety of behaviors such as flirting, touching, teasing, and even sexual intercourse. This perception can be affected by various factors, including cultural background, gender identity, age, race, and socioeconomic status. Sexualized perception also encompasses the way individuals perceive themselves based on their own desires and preferences. Onboarding is the process through which new employees learn about a company's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. Adaptation is the ability of an employee to adjust to new working conditions, team members, and organizational structure. Social integration describes how well employees interact with each other and are accepted into a group.
Sexualized perception influences all three aspects of onboarding, adaptation, and social integration. The initial impression that an employee forms during onboarding depends on the level of sexualization they experience in the workplace.
If employees observe coworkers engaging in sexual banter or flirting, it could make them feel uncomfortable and lead to anxiety. In addition, if new hires see senior staff members displaying affectionate gestures towards each other, it may create confusion about what behavior is acceptable at work.
During adaptation, employees who have experienced sexual harassment or assault may find it difficult to relate to others due to trauma. They might become defensive or withdraw from interactions with colleagues, affecting their overall productivity.
Managers need to consider whether employees will feel comfortable expressing their needs, opinions, or thoughts without fear of judgment or retaliation.
When employees form friendships within the organization, sexualized perception can impede their ability to integrate socially. If there is pressure to meet particular physical standards, it may exclude those who do not conform. This leads to a lack of diversity, which negatively impacts innovation and creativity.
If co-workers have differing views on sex, intimacy, or relationships, conflict can arise leading to disengagement or even resignation.
Sexualized perception plays a significant role in shaping how well new employees adapt to the organizational culture.
Employers must strive for transparency, inclusivity, and awareness regarding this issue. By providing clear guidelines on appropriate behaviors, creating a safe environment where everyone feels welcome, and addressing concerns promptly, companies can improve the onboarding process, employee engagement, and social integration.
In what ways does sexualized perception impact onboarding, adaptation, and social integration of new employees?
Sexualized perception refers to the process by which individuals form impressions about another individual based on their gender or sex. In terms of employee onboarding, it has been suggested that employers may make initial assumptions about an applicant's ability to perform specific tasks based on their perceived gender or physical attractiveness, rather than their actual qualifications and experience (Yeung & Kramer, 2017).