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Workplace Sexual Harassment
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Workplace sexual harassment is an issue no one should have to face, yet it remains a reality for many. Whether it’s inappropriate comments, unwanted advances, or creating an intimidating environment, these behaviours can leave anyone feeling powerless and unsure of what to do next. Understanding your rights and recognising the signs are key steps towards creating a safer and more respectful workplace.
In this PMAC guide, you’ll find practical advice on how to identify, address, and prevent sexual harassment at work, empowering you to take action for others and seek the support you deserve.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment at work is more common than you might think. A 2023 survey found that two in three women in the UK have experienced it at some point in their working lives. However, it’s not only limited to women. Workplace sexual harassment is any kind of unwanted sexual behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable, disrespected, or unsafe. This could be anything from inappropriate comments or jokes to actions that make your workplace feel hostile or intimidating.
Sometimes, it’s not obvious. Subtle things, like being excluded because of your gender or having your work undermined in a sexualised way, also count. What matters isn’t whether the person meant to harm—it’s how it makes you feel.
If it affects your dignity or creates a toxic environment, it’s harassment.
Different Forms of Sexual Harassment at Work
Verbal harassment is all too common and can take many shapes, from inappropriate jokes or comments about someone’s appearance, gender, or sexuality to relentless requests for dates or explicit propositions. These words may seem small to some, but they can have a big impact on those who experience them.
Non-verbal harassment goes beyond words, creating discomfort through actions and behaviours. It can include lingering stares, suggestive gestures, or inappropriate displays of sexually explicit images or materials in the workplace. Even unwelcome messages or emails with a sexual tone fall into this category. These actions send a clear message: respect and boundaries matter.
Physical harassment involves any unwelcome touch or invasion of personal space—whether it’s an unwanted hand on the shoulder, groping, or crossing someone’s boundaries. These actions don’t just violate personal space; they leave a lasting impact, causing real harm and distress to those affected.
Quid pro quo harassment happens when someone in power crosses the line, offering workplace perks like promotions or raises in exchange for sexual favours. It’s not just about rewards—threats of punishment for rejecting advances fall into this category too.
Hostile environment harassment happens when actions or behaviours create a workplace that feels intimidating, uncomfortable, or offensive. It could be repeated inappropriate jokes, exclusion based on gender, or ongoing disrespect tied to someone’s sexuality. These behaviours can turn a work environment toxic, impacting everyone involved.
With remote work on the rise, so is cyber harassment—a troubling issue that’s reshaping virtual workplaces. From inappropriate images and messages to toxic comments, these behaviours create a harmful digital environment that no one should have to endure.
Why Organisations Have a Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Work
Preventing workplace sexual harassment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the law. In the UK, businesses have a duty to create a safe, respectful environment where every employee feels protected. Taking proactive steps isn’t optional; it’s essential for fostering a workplace everyone can thrive in.
Let’s take a look at the main reasons why organisations must prioritise preventing sexual harassment at work:
Legal Compliance: The Equality Act 2010 requires employers to protect employees from sexual harassment. Ignoring this duty can lead to costly legal action, reputational damage, and hefty penalties. Taking action isn’t just the law—it’s smart for your business.
Protecting Employee Wellbeing: Sexual harassment doesn’t just hurt careers; it impacts mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Employers have a responsibility to create a safe, supportive environment where their teams can excel.
Promoting Equality and Inclusion: Harassment destroys diversity and inclusion efforts. Building a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected starts with a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment.
Enhancing Productivity: Unsafe workplaces hurt morale and productivity. Employees who feel supported and secure are more engaged, motivated, and productive—helping your organisation achieve its goals faster.
Maintaining a Positive Reputation: A proactive stance against harassment shows your commitment to ethical practices, building trust with your employees, clients, and the wider community. It’s not just about avoiding negative headlines—it’s about attracting top talent and keeping your brand strong.
Encouraging Reporting and Accountability: Clear policies and procedures are essential to a safe workplace. When employees feel confident reporting issues, you create a culture of accountability and reinforce your commitment to zero tolerance.
Reducing Staff Turnover: Ignoring harassment leads to unhappy employees and higher turnover. By addressing issues head-on, you’ll build loyalty and demonstrate that you take employee rights and safety seriously.
Why is Sexual Harassment at Work Overlooked?
Sadly, sexual harassment at work often goes unreported or ignored, and there are several reasons why this happens. Sometimes, certain behaviours get brushed off as “banter” or harmless fun. Jokes, comments, or gestures might seem small but can have a big impact, making people feel uncomfortable or unsafe. When this kind of behaviour is normalised, it’s harder to call it out.
Fear is another big reason. You might worry that reporting harassment could cost you your job, affect promotions, or damage relationships at work. This fear can stop people from speaking up. It’s even worse when the person causing the harm is in a position of power, like a manager. The risk of challenging someone senior can feel too high.
Some workplaces don’t make it easy to report problems. If you don’t know how to speak up or feel like nothing will be done, it’s tempting to stay quiet. Shame and embarrassment also play a role. Many victims blame themselves or feel too uncomfortable to talk about what happened. Even bystanders often stay silent, unsure of what to do or worried about causing conflict.
On top of that, many workplaces don’t provide enough training about what sexual harassment looks like. Without clear guidance, people may not realise certain behaviours are unacceptable or harmful.
These challenges make it harder to tackle sexual harassment, but recognising them is a great step towards creating a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected.
How to Intervene Safely if You Witness Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
If you witness sexual harassment at work, stepping in can make a big difference. It’s about helping without putting yourself or others at risk. There are a few ways to handle it safely.
One way is to disrupt the situation calmly. You could change the subject, ask a question, or create a distraction. For example, if someone makes an inappropriate comment, steer the conversation back to work topics. It’s a subtle way to defuse the moment.
If it feels safe, you can speak up directly. Be calm and clear. Say something like, “That comment isn’t okay. It could make people uncomfortable.” Keep your tone respectful but firm.
You can also support the person who was targeted. Talk to them privately. Let them know you’re concerned and willing to help if they want to report the incident. Offer to go with them or provide a statement if needed.
If the situation feels unsafe or you’re unsure what to do, report it. Speak to your manager, HR, or another trusted person at work. Share what you saw, including details like the time, date, and anyone else who was there.
It’s also a good idea to write everything down. Keeping a record of what happened could be useful later. Taking action, even in small ways, helps create a workplace where everyone feels respected.
How to Report Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Reporting workplace sexual harassment is a brave move. It’s about standing up for yourself and helping to create a safer workplace for everyone. Here’s how you can approach it.
Start by keeping a record of what happened. Note the dates, times, and details of the behaviour. If you have evidence like messages or emails, save those too. If others witnessed the incident, include their names in your notes. These details help back up your report.
Check your workplace’s harassment policy. It should explain how to report issues and who to contact, like an HR representative or manager. Knowing the steps makes the process clearer.
When you report it, stick to the facts. Share what happened without adding emotional language. Explain the behaviour and how it affected you. Your documentation will help make your case clear and strong.
If reporting to someone at work feels uncomfortable, there are other options. Organisations like ACAS or Citizens Advice can guide you on your rights and next steps.
Follow up if needed. If nothing changes or the harassment continues, take it further. You can raise the issue with senior management or external authorities. Staying persistent ensures the problem gets the attention it deserves.
Getting Support if You Experience Sexual Harassment at Work
Experiencing sexual harassment at work can take a toll on your mental health, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Getting the right support is an important step to protect yourself and start feeling better.
Sexual harassment can leave you feeling upset, anxious, or angry. Talking to someone you trust—a colleague, friend, or family member—can make a big difference. Sharing what you’ve been through can help you feel less alone and more understood.
Professional support, like counselling, is also a great option. A therapist can help you work through your emotions, build coping skills, and regain your confidence. Many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which provide free, confidential counselling.
It’s also worth reaching out for support at work. Reporting what’s happened to HR or a manager can help stop the harassment and protect others. Your voice can lead to real change in your workplace.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Simple things like exercise, mindfulness, or spending time with supportive people can help you feel stronger and more grounded. Looking after your mental health is a key part of handling this tough situation.
No one should face workplace harassment alone. By seeking support, you can take back control and begin to move forward.
Training to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
At PMAC, we believe that training is one of the most powerful ways to tackle workplace sexual harassment. By equipping employees and leaders with the right tools, we can build workplaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
Our Harassment and Bullying Training focuses on raising awareness and giving teams the confidence to recognise and address inappropriate behaviour. For employees, the training helps clarify what sexual harassment looks like and why it’s unacceptable. It also covers how to maintain a professional and respectful workplace culture.
For managers, we focus on proactive strategies. Leaders learn how to set clear expectations, spot early warning signs, and handle issues effectively. This training is vital for creating a zero-tolerance environment and supporting team members who may be affected.
We also offer tailored training for HR teams. These sessions dive deeper into handling complaints, investigating incidents, and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. Interactive elements, like role-playing and group discussions, are included to make the learning hands-on and practical.
Regular refresher courses are part of our approach too. These keep policies and procedures fresh in everyone’s mind and reinforce the commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace.
If you want to take meaningful steps towards reducing workplace harassment, consider enrolling in our Harassment and Bullying Training. Together, we can create a culture that prioritises respect and safety for all.
Originally published: 17/12/2024
Last updated: 17/12/2024