Workplace Harassment: Assessing Risk Factors Across Company Departments

Just as everyone has the right to fair compensation, a safe workspace, and equal opportunities, they are also entitled to work in an environment free from harassment. However, this right isn’t always granted. Certain factors, such as high-pressure environments, lack of diversity, or isolated working conditions, can create situations where inappropriate behavior goes unchecked.

Dive into how different workplace settings can influence harassment risks and explore practical ways to keep every employee safe and respected.

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What is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment involves any unwelcome conduct that belittles, threatens, or offends employees, leading to a hostile or uncomfortable environment. It can manifest in various forms, such as verbal abuse, offensive jokes, inappropriate physical contact, bullying, or even subtle behaviors like constant exclusion or undermining someone’s work.

Sexual harassment, in particular, can include unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature that makes someone feel intimidated, humiliated, or unsafe.

Harassment not only disrupts the work atmosphere but can also have serious effects on the well-being of those targeted. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, or decreased job satisfaction, and some even leave their jobs due to ongoing mistreatment.

Unfortunately, harassment is more common than many realize. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), estimates suggest that anywhere from 25% to 85% of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in the workplace.

While women are more frequently affected, men are not immune, with studies indicating that roughly 10% to 45% of men report encountering harassment at work.

Risk Factors by Department

High-Pressure Environments

Departments that operate under high stress, such as sales, customer service, or finance, are often characterized by tight deadlines and high-stakes tasks.

The pressure to meet quotas or handle urgent issues can sometimes lead to heightened tensions, increasing the risk of sexual harassment, aggressive behavior, and verbal harassment. Without proper management, this atmosphere can breed unhealthy competitiveness or hostility.

Male-Dominated Departments

Teams that consist predominantly of men may have cultures that unintentionally allow inappropriate behavior. The lack of gender diversity in these settings can create an environment where certain actions, including sexually suggestive remarks or jokes, go unnoticed or are even normalized.

Client-Facing Departments

Employees who interact with clients, customers, or patients face additional challenges since harassment can come from outside the organization.

Fields such as healthcare, retail, or legal services require staff to maintain a professional demeanor even when facing inappropriate behavior from external parties. Companies must establish clear guidelines for handling harassment and sexual harassment from non-employees and support workers in dealing with these situations.

Isolated or Remote Workers

Remote work offers flexibility but can also make it easier for harassment to go unreported. Employees who work alone or in isolated conditions may feel disconnected from the broader workplace culture, leading to underreporting of incidents.

It’s important for companies to ensure remote workers have accessible channels to report any form of harassment and feel supported regardless of their physical location.

Cross-Departmental Strategies to Mitigate Risk

Comprehensive Workplace Harassment Training

Implementing regular training that addresses department-specific risks is essential for effective prevention.

For instance, sales teams may benefit from training on handling stress-related conflicts, while male-dominated departments might focus on recognizing gender bias. Scenario-based exercises can help employees practice how to respond to harassment in real-life situations, empowering them to take appropriate action when necessary.

Promoting a Culture of Respect

A zero-tolerance approach to harassment should be a fundamental part of a company’s culture. This includes open communication policies where employees are encouraged to speak up about any concerns without fear of retaliation.

Creating a workplace where mutual respect is a core value helps prevent harassment from taking root in the first place.

Encouraging Bystander Intervention

Training employees to recognize and intervene when they witness harassment can significantly deter inappropriate behavior. Bystander intervention programs empower workers to act when they see someone being mistreated or assaulted, promoting a supportive and proactive environment.

Implementing Anonymous Reporting Systems

Providing anonymous channels for employees to report harassment can help identify department-specific risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. It allows workers to voice their concerns in a safe, judgment-free space, encouraging them to come forward without fear of exposure.

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Get the Best Workplace Harassment Training with Catharsis Productions

If you’re looking to prevent workplace harassment and create a safer environment, explore Catharsis Productions’ training programs. Led by experienced professionals, our courses are offered both online and in-person, serving workplaces, military organizations, and higher education institutions.

Reach out to us today and equip your team with the skills and knowledge to foster meaningful change.

Catharsis Productions

Catharsis Productions' mission is to change the world by producing innovative, accessible and  research-supported programming that challenges oppressive attitudes and shifts behavior.