Sexual harassment at work is a dangerous issue that remains unresolved in the country. It does not only impact victims’ careers but also their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Between 2018 and 2021, harassment based on sex accounted for 27.7% of all harassment charges during that period. The numbers highlight the prevalence of this issue and the significance of educating employees about their options after these incidents.
Actions that foster a hostile work environment
One crucial solution to combat this issue is identifying the practices that help develop a hostile work environment.
Anyone at work can commit this type of harassment. The offender can be your manager, co-worker or even a guest at the office. Victims can include anyone affected by the offender’s conduct, not only the employee who was the target of the harassment.
Staring or leering is one of the behaviors that foster a hostile environment for employees. Offensive comments about your clothes or body parts also foster a toxic work culture.
Other actions that can lead to a hostile work environment include inappropriate touching, sharing lewd jokes or making sexual gestures.
Sending sexually suggestive letters, emails, texts or images is also a form of sexual harassment. If you receive this type of communication from a workmate, you can file a complaint.
Fighting against sexual harassment at work
In Missouri, this type of harassment is a form of discrimination based on sexually explicit behavior. It is a violation of human rights laws, and victims can file a detailed complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR).
You still need to file a complaint if you choose to bring the matter to court. An experienced legal professional can help build your case if you decide to take this route.