August 12, 2010
International research has detailed the plague of sexual harassment and discrimination affecting female workers.
Researchers at American based University of Michigan found that 10% of the women surveyed had experienced the most severe form of harassment, in which they were promised promotion or better treatment if they were ‘sexually cooperative’.
The study, which questioned females across a range of employment sectors, found that few women are physically harassed in the workplace but gender harassment is rife, including sexist remarks and insults.
According to experts, such common, low-level sexist behaviour is as damaging and distressing as overt advances.
The findings, in Springer’s journal of Law and Human Behaviour, also concluded that harassment victims fared poorly at work and were far more likely to develop health problems that affected their performance.
If you’ve fallen victim to gender discrimination or more serious sexual harassment whilst at work, and feel your managers are ignoring cries for help, employment solicitors are here to make sure such actions do not go unpunished.
Harassment can have a serious effect on your life, by challenging perpetrators you can ensure work doesn’t have to be more taxing than it already is.
