Our attorneys have earned a trusted reputation for protecting the rights of employees and employers throughout Pennsylvania.
  1. Home
  2.  → 
  3. sexual harassment
  4.  → How does sexual harassment impact employees and employers?

How does sexual harassment impact employees and employers?

On Behalf of | Nov 3, 2021 | sexual harassment |

If you experience sexual harassment, you could struggle with various hardships, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. You could feel uncomfortable in the workplace and this unlawful behavior can interfere with your career as well. There are many other ways in which sexual harassment affects employees and the companies they work for.

Sexual harassment takes many forms, from unwanted advances to coercion and repeated comments that create a hostile environment. Sadly, these violations often go unreported.

Lost productivity and other consequences of sexual harassment

According to the United States Government Accountability Office, sexual harassment in the workplace impacts workers and companies in multiple ways. For example, sexual harassment can lead to lost productivity, adversely affecting a worker’s performance and even causing them to miss work. Companies sometimes have to recruit new staff members as a result of victims stepping down, and workers who change jobs because of harassment sometimes face unemployment or lower-paying positions.

Sexual harassment cases can shatter a company’s reputation and result in costly settlements and legal fees. Victims of sexual harassment often face mental health challenges, and some suffer from high blood pressure as a result of their experiences. Moreover, employers have to pay for counseling, in some instances.

Many victims fail to report sexual harassment

Moreover, the GAO reports that a majority of sexual harassment victims fail to file a formal report, whether they worry about losing their job or facing other consequences. If you have experienced sexual harassment at your place of work, it is pivotal to stand up for your rights. Not only do you deserve justice, but taking action can prevent future occurrences of sexual harassment.