Sexual harassment happens all too often at work.
In fact, on average, 2,790 people are sexually harassed in the workplace each year, according to the data we collected from “Sexual Harassment in Our Nation’s Workplaces,” reported by EEOC.gov.
A Deloitte study puts the productivity loss from sexual harassment at $2.62 billion. EEOC reports that in FY 2021, EEOC resolutions that included a claim for sexual harassment increased by 10%.
In addition, nearly two-thirds of those who reported sexual harassment said that their harasser was a supervisor or boss.
These sexual harassment in the workplace statistics are alarming and highlight the need for employers to take steps to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.
Key Finding: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Statistics
- Only 25% of the sexual harassment in their workplace reported to manager, boss, supervisor or management.
- 38% of women reported experiencing sexual harassment in their workplace.
- Approximately 3 in 4 (75%) workplace sexual harassment cases always remain unreported.
- 63% of women did not file a complaint, and 79% of men kept issues to themselves.
- 55% of victims experience retaliation after speaking up or making a claim.
- 7 out of ten disabled females have felt sexual harassment at the workplace.
- Roughly 1 in 3 working females who are under 35 years of age have been sexually harassed at work.
- 36 percent of organizations don’t offer sexual harassment training.
- 17 percent of the sexually oppressed male nurses do report the case to the employer.
What percentage of workers who experience sexual harassment report it
Did you know that only 26% of workers who experience sexual harassment report it? Among them, 37% of women and 21% of men who have experienced sexual harassment at work report it according to data we collected from EEOC, BBC, and I-SIGHT.
Many cases of sexual harassment go unreported because victims are afraid to speak up. This is a problem because it allows harassers to get away with their behavior and continue harassing other employees.
Additionally, employers often do nothing about reported incidents of sexual harassment, which can lead to a hostile work environment. We need to change this culture so that more people feel comfortable coming forward and reporting incidents of sexual harassment.
What percentage of employees have been sexually harassed in the workplace?
On average, 29.8% of employees have been sexually harassed in the workplace, according to data we collected from Inspired Learning, Zippia, the Center for Talent Innovation, BusinessInsider, and Discrimlaw.
It’s a sad but true statistic that a large percentage of employees have been sexually harassed in the workplace. This is a huge problem, as it can lead to a hostile work environment and prevent people from performing their best at work.
We need to do better in terms of preventing and responding to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Employees should feel safe and comfortable coming forward if they experience or witness any form of sexual harassment. Employers also need to be held accountable for creating a safe and welcoming work environment for all employees
Who is more likely to be sexually harassed?
It’s no secret that sexual harassment is a major issue in the workplace. But did you know that not everyone is equally likely to be sexually harassed? In fact, there are certain groups of people who are more likely to experience sexual harassment than others.
Women, for example, are much more likely to be sexually harassed than men. This is due in part to the fact that women still face discrimination and inequality in the workplace.
Additionally, many victims of sexual harassment are afraid to speak up because they don’t want to be seen as weak or unprofessional.
LGBTQ+ employees are also at a higher risk of being sexually harassed at work. This is because they often face discrimination and hostility from their coworkers and employers.
Additionally, it can be difficult for them to report incidents of sexual harassment because they fear retaliation or being outed.
It’s important to remember that anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of gender or sexuality.
If you feel like you’re being sexually harassed at work, it’s important to speak up and take action. You deserve to feel safe and comfortable in your workplace environment
How many people are sexually harassed in the workplace each year?
According to the data collected by EEOC.gov, on average, 2,790 people are sexually harassed in the workplace each year. This is a significant problem that needs to be addressed to create a safe and comfortable work environment for everyone.
There are many different forms of sexual harassment, and it can often be difficult to identify what qualifies as harassment. It is important to remember that sexual harassment can be either verbal or physical. Sometimes, sexual harassment can be as simple as making someone feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in the workplace.
If you believe that you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it is important to speak up and report it to your employer or HR department. Sexual harassment is a serious issue, and it is important to take action.
1. 7 out of ten disabled females have felt sexual harassment at the workplace.
(TUC)
This signifies more than 60 percent of disabled women have endured some kind of sexual harassment while at work. This is quite a lot more than 52 percent of the women who normally get harassed at work. The main form of work-related sexual intimidation of the disabled is unpleasant sexual jokes which is more than 40%.
2. For the workers who are in low earnings service jobs, forced job change because of sexual harassment is equivalent to 125600 dollars
(Time’s Up)
Being forced to change a career Is among the forms of retaliation that lots of sexually harassed workers encounter. It results in loss of earnings alongside delayed career growth. Furthermore, statistics reveal that sexual harassment in the workplace can lead to a gender pay gap.
The affected women who had well-paying jobs in male overwhelmed sectors were forced into jobs paying less. And it is mainly the sector dominated by women who were sexually oppressed in the workplaces before.
3. 41 percent of the female founders who are in the tech sector globally endure sexual harassment in their workplace
(Statista)
Lots of female founders in this industry encounter sexual harassment compared to 12% of the male founders. Still, more than ten percent of the women do report being stalked. As for the men, they have not suffered from such acts.
4. 23 percent of the women who’ve undergone sexual harassment say there is an escalation as they work from home due to covid
(Rights of Women)
The female victims of sexual harassment still have to face the same awful behavior as they work from their homes. Many moved to online communication because of the coronavirus and, sadly, it also resulted in the assault shifting. Reports indicate 45 percent of women endure sexual assault remotely.
This is through some experienced cyber-harassment via Zoom and others. There are also sexual messages through social media, texts, and emails.
5. 99 percent of workers completely understand a sexual harassment circumstance
(True Office Learning)
Statistics disclose that workers are trying so hard to eradicate any risky scenarios at the workplace. Moreover, the most current violence at workplaces has encouraged many to deal with the problem. And avoid getting worried.
Studies indicate close to all the workers do support and have the desire to combat sexual misbehavior.
6. 36 percent of organizations don’t offer sexual harassment training
(i-sight)
Such training is very important. And when topped up with the harassment prevention policy the employee will be at peace. The reason being they know they are well regarded.
This is while laying apparent expectations for the behavior of workers. With that said, the managers and employees are expected to take part in the training. This enables the business to reduce lawsuit threat, agents reputational harm, and enhances worker productivity.
It also lowers worker turnover and boosts employee satisfaction.
7. Approximately 3 in four workplace sexual harassment cases always remain unreported
(Urbanic)
Unfortunately, over 50 percent of the female victims of sexual harassment at the workplace do not report the experience. They also attempt to hold the harasser liable. In some instances, this can be because of some victims not realizing the occurrence was a sexual assault.
This is due to more than ten percent not understanding whatever comprises sexual assault in the workplace. Moreover, a larger proportion of the cases are not reported due to three reasons.
The desire to leave the encounter in the past or wishing to move on. There is also the fear of retaliation and embarrassment.
8. Over 50 percent of individuals sustained workplace sexual harassment through what a colleague or another person said to them
(Urbanic)
The majority of the verbal workplace sexual assault does happen in many other forms. 44% endured sexual advances or undesirable physical contact whenever they were harassed while at work. Furthermore, nearly 25 % of them had received no less than one sexually suggestive text message or email. This is either from a supervisor or coworker.
9. Roughly 1 in three working females who are under 35 years of age have been sexually harassed when at work
(Urbanic)
This has happened at least once. And while most of the women indicated that those who harassed them were male, in others females were involved. Approximately 10 percent were harassed by fellow women at work.
10. 56 percent of harassment among the nurses is mainly verbal
(Nursing Times)
A nurse’s portrayal and uniform are always greatly sexualized mostly in the media. This implies they are exposed to many kinds of sexual assault. Moreover, over 50 percent do experience some suggestive verbal remarks from men.
Statistics also show other types of harassment faced by female nurses. For instance, cyber, visual, and physical harassment are all over five percent. These comprise the students and experienced nurses.
11. 17 percent of the sexually oppressed male nurses do report the case to their employer
(Nursing Times)
Generally, those who are affected much by the act are female nurses. Though according to statistics, men also do fall into the trap. More than 50 percent reported being harassed sexually.
Moreover, it’s worrying that the act Is not taken seriously when a male is affected.
12. 31 percent of the sexual harassment victims do feel anxious and depressed after encountering the incident
(NPR)
This implies that lots of people are affected by this act. It also leads to some of the victims making tough decisions. For instance, changing their careers or even leaving the job completely.
Some even avoid interacting with the other members of the community. According to reports, the victims normally change their behavior after they seek assistance.
13. 26% of the medical colleagues engage in deeds of sexual harassment
(Nursing Times)
It is always assumed that the other members of the staff are not popularly known perpetrators. However, many others are also affected. More than 50 percent of the patients are victims.
Many believe the cases are tolerated and are mostly overlooked when it’s the patients who are involved.
14. 34 percent of workers don’t grasp and spot acts resulting in a hostile working atmosphere
(True Office Learning)
Close to all workers know the consequences of sexual misbehavior. However, it’s not everybody who senses the concept of sexual harassment in the workplace. Reports reveal a third of workers don’t comprehend the aspects of harassment. And this can establish a hostile working atmosphere.
15. Around 58 percent of women who are harassed at their work do not file complaints
(HBR)
This is due to the victims being afraid of retaliation. Moreover, another issue is uncertainty in regards to how harassment is generally interpreted. Furthermore, lots of women say people don’t always believe whatever they report when it happens.
25 percent of people confessed to being harassed. Reports indicate the victims were told offensive remarks and crude jokes are harassment. And many claimed they experienced assault twice.
16. 50% of the women who typically report a case of sexual harassment to the supervisor believe their grievance is badly handled
(Goremotely)
Lots of facts and figures of sexual harassment in places of work disclose a lot. And it’s that gender biases and cultural issues make people not report the cases. Besides, anytime they do, the supervisors do not believe them.
Therefore, the initial stage to fight the assault and gender bias is acquiring some regulation on it.
Conclusion
Workplace sexual harassment remains a critical issue, with 38% of women experiencing it and only 25% of cases being reported. The majority of victims, regardless of gender, do not file complaints, and an alarming 55% face retaliation after speaking up.
Disabled women are particularly vulnerable, with 7 out of 10 experiencing harassment. Younger working women under 35 are also significantly affected.
A lack of proper training in 36% of organizations exacerbates the problem. It is crucial to address this issue by promoting safe work environments and providing comprehensive education on harassment prevention.
