Sexualization is the process of representing something as being primarily concerned with sexual interest or activity. It can take place in many areas of life, including workplaces, where it has been shown to have negative effects on employees' well-being and productivity. This study examines how sexualized perception may impact employee engagement, motivation, and commitment to organizational goals.
Employee engagement refers to a state of mind that results from an individual's involvement in their job, organization, and workplace community. Engaged employees are committed to their work, feel connected to their colleagues and managers, and experience positive feelings about their jobs. Sexualized perceptions may undermine this engagement by making employees feel uncomfortable, objectified, or distracted.
When employees perceive their workplace as having a sexually charged atmosphere, they may become less invested in their tasks and more focused on other matters, leading to decreased performance and morale.
Motivation refers to the drive within individuals to perform certain behaviors or actions. Motivated employees are inspired to achieve goals and produce high-quality work. Sexualized perceptions can also reduce motivation by making employees feel disconnected from their organizations or unable to focus on important tasks.
If workers believe their employers value them for their physical appearance rather than their skills, they may be demotivated to put forth their best effort.
Commitment involves an employee's dedication to stay with an organization over time, even during difficult periods. When employees see their workplace as promoting sexual attitudes or norms, they may become less likely to remain loyal to it. They may view their employer as disrespectful, unprofessional, or unfair. This could lead them to seek out new opportunities elsewhere, harming team cohesion and organizational stability.
Sexualized perception has negative effects on employee engagement, motivation, and commitment. Organizations must address these issues by creating safe and respectful environments that promote professionalism and equality. Employees should have access to clear policies and support systems that protect against discrimination and harassment. By doing so, companies can foster positive work cultures where all employees thrive.
In what ways does sexualized perception affect employee engagement, motivation, and commitment to organizational goals?
Sexualization has been found to have both positive and negative effects on employee engagement, motivation, and commitment to organizational goals. On one hand, it can lead to increased feelings of self-esteem, empowerment, and confidence among employees when they are treated with respect and dignity (Davis & Lopez, 2016).