It isn't hard to spot a sexualized work environment. In fact we have probably all spent at least a little bit of time in a job during our college years where the motto was "Anything Goes". As adolescents we pushed the boundaries of societal rules, flattered our egos and showed our feathers. Likely we didn't have any idea the embarrassment and mental anguish our words and actions caused. And we certainly had no clue that it was a sexualized environment.
At its foundation, a sexualized environment consists of tolerated use of obscenities, sexually centered jokes, sexually explicit or degrading materials displayed in common areas, the use of pornography in the workplace, spoken or written sexually suggestive comments, the use of derogatory labels to describe co-workers, frequent, unnecessary physical contact and persistent unwanted attention. Sexual harassment is the instance of the behavior upon the victim(s). The sexualized environment is created by the existence of the object or action. When coercion, insults, offensive or degrading behaviors occur in the workplace, the environment becomes disrupted and sexualized.
A sexualized workplace environment can begin with something as simple as a swimsuit calendar on the wall. To one person that calendar is nothing more than a means of checking the date, to another it could be highly offensive and demeaning. The difference in perspective is not to be judged, it is meant to be heard, validated and addressed. Studies have shown that a sexualized work environment creates an atmosphere where more overt and direct sexual harassment is likely to take place.
Since the 'little' things (like a swimsuit calendar) are ignored, workers are more inclined to feel that boundaries can be pushed and more serious transgressions can be carried out without fear of disciplinary action. The hostile element of a sexualized environment evolves out of unchecked sexually explicit behaviors. This may be in the form of offensive jokes, sexual gestures, name calling or the objectification of coworkers as sexual objects. It is important to remember these acts can take place openly, in front of other coworkers, or in secret.
The definition of a sexualized environment contains many elements, but in order for it to have a linear meaning in all manners of the workplace, there can be no concise set of criteria. For example, in a gentlemen's club or adult book store there are sexualized materials and behavior everywhere. The whole purpose of the business is to provide a sexually themed service or product, therefore traditional rules of the work environment become moot.
Anyone employed in such an environment goes in knowing it is sexualized workplace and therefore is unlikely to take offence. It is the introduction of hostility and unwanted advances that would be the catalyst for harassment. Then again, perhaps the argument for a comfortable work environment lies in the perception of the employees, mutual trust and a shared respect for one another? Can human beings be disciplined enough to allow sexual themes in the workplace while still maintaining a respectful and equitable relationship with each other? Unfortunately there is no reliable data available to answer that question.
A sexualized workplace environment can evolve with the simplest of gestures, or with where there is no regard for the repercussions. As with most social problems, the best option for combating a sexualized environment is prevention. Educating workers on empathy, social norms, trust and respect for the workplace is half the battle. The other half of the battle is enforcing the rules.
There is a clear liability laid upon the employer if the victim does not feel validated and heard in their complaints. This can also cause further psychological damage to the victim. Those in positions of authority must be committed to upholding a safe working environment, regardless of personal opinions. When sexual harassment is allowed in the workplace it can damage employee morale, productivity and foster negative feelings.
At its foundation, a sexualized environment consists of tolerated use of obscenities, sexually centered jokes, sexually explicit or degrading materials displayed in common areas, the use of pornography in the workplace, spoken or written sexually suggestive comments, the use of derogatory labels to describe co-workers, frequent, unnecessary physical contact and persistent unwanted attention. Sexual harassment is the instance of the behavior upon the victim(s). The sexualized environment is created by the existence of the object or action. When coercion, insults, offensive or degrading behaviors occur in the workplace, the environment becomes disrupted and sexualized.
A sexualized workplace environment can begin with something as simple as a swimsuit calendar on the wall. To one person that calendar is nothing more than a means of checking the date, to another it could be highly offensive and demeaning. The difference in perspective is not to be judged, it is meant to be heard, validated and addressed. Studies have shown that a sexualized work environment creates an atmosphere where more overt and direct sexual harassment is likely to take place.
Since the 'little' things (like a swimsuit calendar) are ignored, workers are more inclined to feel that boundaries can be pushed and more serious transgressions can be carried out without fear of disciplinary action. The hostile element of a sexualized environment evolves out of unchecked sexually explicit behaviors. This may be in the form of offensive jokes, sexual gestures, name calling or the objectification of coworkers as sexual objects. It is important to remember these acts can take place openly, in front of other coworkers, or in secret.
The definition of a sexualized environment contains many elements, but in order for it to have a linear meaning in all manners of the workplace, there can be no concise set of criteria. For example, in a gentlemen's club or adult book store there are sexualized materials and behavior everywhere. The whole purpose of the business is to provide a sexually themed service or product, therefore traditional rules of the work environment become moot.
Anyone employed in such an environment goes in knowing it is sexualized workplace and therefore is unlikely to take offence. It is the introduction of hostility and unwanted advances that would be the catalyst for harassment. Then again, perhaps the argument for a comfortable work environment lies in the perception of the employees, mutual trust and a shared respect for one another? Can human beings be disciplined enough to allow sexual themes in the workplace while still maintaining a respectful and equitable relationship with each other? Unfortunately there is no reliable data available to answer that question.
A sexualized workplace environment can evolve with the simplest of gestures, or with where there is no regard for the repercussions. As with most social problems, the best option for combating a sexualized environment is prevention. Educating workers on empathy, social norms, trust and respect for the workplace is half the battle. The other half of the battle is enforcing the rules.
There is a clear liability laid upon the employer if the victim does not feel validated and heard in their complaints. This can also cause further psychological damage to the victim. Those in positions of authority must be committed to upholding a safe working environment, regardless of personal opinions. When sexual harassment is allowed in the workplace it can damage employee morale, productivity and foster negative feelings.
About the Author:
Joanna Costello is a representative of of Lumina Productions, Inc. and Lumina Training which specializes in sexual harassment training videos. Sexual Harassment Training from Lumina provides media and information for harmony and productivity in your workplace. For more information, visit us online today!
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