Uncovering Covert Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Even in the 21st century, sexual harassment is still occurring in Australian workplaces - and it can have a devastating impact on both the victim and the company culture.
Some of these behaviours are more overt or obvious, but others can be less so – making it challenging for management to identify and address accordingly.
Importantly, the onus is on Australian employers to provide a Positive Duty of care for all staff. This is a legal obligation requiring proactive steps to be taken to prevent sexual harassment or other unlawful behaviours, ensure clear reporting procedures, and foster a culture of respect.
While this is a complex area to navigate, regular training and awareness programs are vital to help educate employees on what constitutes harassment, and to promote a lawful and respectful workplace for all.
How Bad is the Problem… Really?
While sexual harassment can take place anywhere, anytime - statistically some industries are worse than others. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work report, a staggering 81% of workers in the media, information and telecommunications industries and 74% of women in mining have reported sexual harassment.
Recent class actions launched against two global mining giants highlight claims of abhorrent behaviours of male staff groping, urinating on, and committing other acts upon female colleagues – who were ridiculed or even sacked if they spoke out. Further, the lawsuit claims most of the women impacted were forced to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements to keep these incidents hidden, perpetuating a culture of silence.
What is Covert Sexual Harassment?
While the above-mentioned behaviours are more overt in nature, covert sexual harassment refers to subtle, indirect, or non-verbal behaviors that create a hostile or uncomfortable environment - often without explicit sexual remarks or actions.
Covert sexual harassment could include things like:
Comments about appearance
Suggestive jokes
Repeated "accidental" physical contact
Intrusive questions about private life
Inappropriate staring or leering
Suggestive gestures
Sending inappropriate text messages
Covert sexual harassment may be harder to identify but it is equally as damaging. It can also fly under the radar because victims are less likely to report due to fear of not being believed – creating a hostile work environment and deeply affecting trust, morale, and mental wellbeing.
The Path Forward: Education and Accountability
For management teams, the key to addressing sexual harassment lies in three areas:
Education: Sexual harassment training ensures staff clearly understand boundaries and consequences, feel safe in their work environment, and have confidence in reporting processes.
Improvement of Policies and Complaint Processes: A thorough audit and review of policies and procedures – and ensuring that any offensive behaviour is addressed early - is essential for gaining trust and encouraging victims to speak up.
Set By Example: Leaders must set the tone for a zero-tolerance culture.
Solutions for Covert Sexual Harassment
At MJSP Management Consulting, we can conduct a cultural audit on your business to identify any risks or issues relating to sexual harassment or other unlawful behaviours like discrimination or bullying, and develop strategies to suit.
From designed and delivering training programs to updating HR policies and procedures, to implementing disciplinary action – we’re here to help your business rise to the next challenge. Contact our experienced management consultants today.