Passive smoking
Those who witness sexual harassment and assault against others at work tend to speak up – just not very actively or effectively. Equal numbers of men (12%) and women (13%) report having witnessed sexual harassment at work. One in five report hearing about a co-worker who has been sexually harassed. One in 10 report a co-worker who has been sexually assaulted.
However, less than a third of witnesses report misconduct to HR. About a third of witnesses speak up immediately, and most turn to family and friends (in terms of venting, women are much better at this than men). When it comes to reporting, women fare somewhat better than men: 30% of female witnesses report to HR, versus 23% of men. This is where netherlands number data the real test begins: without a formal complaint, the chances of organizational retaliation are minimal. However, even with a formal complaint, organizational action is not often taken. In fact, given the range of punitive measures (retaliation), in many organizations it may be logical – albeit tragic – for witnesses, like the victims themselves, to remain silent.
, it has been worse to be known as a "troublemaker" who squeals angrily about a star performer's predatory behavior than to be known as a star performer who has a history of raping subordinates. In other words, harassment and assault create a "second-hand smoke" effect: a toxic atmosphere that makes bystanders afraid or hesitant to do the right thing.
Lack of engagement and risk of losing an employee
When employees witness harassment and assault, it impacts their morale and engagement. It makes sense: If you see your boss harassing a coworker and he or she gets away with it, it’s hard to believe you’re working in a safe, respectful environment where everyone knows their own worth.
Naturally, given the personal trauma involved, those who experience harassment or assault suffer an even greater hit to morale, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. Interestingly, women report lower job satisfaction than men, regardless of whether they experience harassment or simply witness it. Men’s job satisfaction drops to 39% from 56% when they experience harassment, while women’s satisfaction “only” drops to 48% from 56%. Men who witness harassment report job satisfaction at 46%, while women’s job satisfaction remains virtually unchanged. Why does this gender disparity exist?
Granted, women are more accustomed to both sexual harassment and seeing it in the workplace, so many accept it as a bitter fact of life. But with the consciousness-raising and outrage that #MeToo has brought, this forced resignation will become far less common in the future.
Consensual relationships can also be toxic
Most workplaces employ empowered individuals (or simply, adults) who have a lot in common with one another. So it’s natural and acceptable to seek out and perhaps find a partner at work. But when sexual relationships intersect with workplace power dynamics, problems arise. An earlier CTI study published by Harvard Business Review asked employees about romantic relationships between junior and senior team members.
The study found that they are a) widespread and b) highly frowned upon. 11% of em