Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: What You Should Know.
Sexual harassment remains a significant issue in the workplace, affecting employees across industries, including the payment services sector. Understanding what constitutes harassment, the prevalence of the issue, and knowing the proper steps to take if you experience it are crucial for maintaining a safe and productive work environment here at Simpay.
Understanding Sexual Harassment: Definitions and Examples
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance, or creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
Examples include inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, sharing explicit materials, and making derogatory remarks about someone's gender. It's important to recognize that sexual harassment can occur between any individuals, regardless of gender or job level.
The Scope of Workplace Harassment: U.S. National Statistics
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), in 2020, there were over 6,500 charges of sexual harassment filed. Studies indicate that a significant number of cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation or a belief that nothing will change.
In the financial services sector, a 2018 survey revealed that 42% of women reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment at work. This highlights the need for robust policies and awareness programs to address and prevent harassment in the workplace.
Recognizing the Signs of Sexual Harassment in Payment Services
In the payment services industry, signs of sexual harassment can include unwelcome comments about appearance, suggestive jokes, and inappropriate touching. Power dynamics often play a role, where senior employees may leverage their position over junior staff.
It's also important to note that harassment can take place in various settings, including office events, business trips, and even virtual environments. Being vigilant and aware of these signs is the first step towards addressing the issue.
Steps to Take if You Feel Harassed at Work
If you feel harassed at work, it's crucial to document the incidents in detail, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. This documentation can be vital if you decide to file a formal complaint.
You should report the harassment to your HR department or a designated workplace compliance officer. If internal reporting does not lead to a resolution, you can file a complaint with the EEOC or seek legal counsel to explore further options.
Creating a Safe and Respectful Workplace Culture
Simpay is committed to creating a safe and respectful workplace culture and this requires commitment from everyone - management and employees. We've implemented clear policies against sexual harassment, provide regular ongoing training, and have established a transparent reporting process.
Encouraging open communication, promoting mutual respect, and taking immediate action on complaints are essential steps in fostering an inclusive and harassment-free work environment.
Reach out at any time to your Human Resources team if you have any questions.
