Why is sexual harassment such a problem?
Sexual harassment is an issue that affects all of us at the workplace, when it occurs. Many individuals who experience sexual harassment suffer physically and psychologically from the harassment. Many are forced to quit their jobs or take sick leave to escape from the harassment. Turnover is expensive, as are investigations and lawsuits. Not only is the individual harmed, but all of his or her coworkers are harmed either by the pervasive feeling that one cannot get ahead in the workplace without giving sexual favors or by creating an environment where co-workers are forced to tolerate offensive conduct and their work suffers. Reported sexual harassment greatly underrepresents the extent of the difficulty because most individuals are afraid to report the harassment. A recent federal study indicates that sexual harassment is pervasive, especially amongst coworkers but that only 6% of the individuals who experience sexual harassment file a formal complaint. The very real fear of retaliati
