Sexual harassment in the workplace
TRIGGER WARNING:
This story addresses topics and situations on sexual harassment that may be considered sensitive and difficult to read.
This is my story
I am a female, and therefore (and yes even in America) I am inherently unsafe. Working in a male dominated industry adds to my vulnerability. The veil of a fortune 100 company has not protected me. Women are sexually harassed and assaulted every day, typically by someone we know. It happens in workplace environments, and it happens at mine. I am a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace. In the 6 years I have worked at my corporate company job, I have been sexually harassed multiple times by multiple coworkers; some of which have been reported, some have not. From the numerous calls and texts asking me to come back to a hotel room at a sales kickoff or another offsite event to being physically groped underneath my clothing in plain sight in front of others—these are sadly just a couple of examples of what I have personally experienced.
This is the impact
If I can help one person feel less alone, I have done something good with my story. If I can help you use your voice to tell someone that their behavior isn’t okay, then I have done my job. If I can encourage someone to report an incident, then reliving my own assaults are worth it. I want to call out that my company addressed and handled all reported incidents in a very timely, caring, and sensitive way and appropriate action was taken. Sharing this feels extremely vulnerable yet using my voice to share my story is my impact.
This is how WE can promote an inclusive culture
The last time I was sexually harassed by a coworker I did not report it, but someone else did. I am forever grateful to the coworker, leader, and friend that had the courage to do the right thing. Some may be wondering “what can I do?”—Begin by understanding what sexual harassment can look like…it could be unwanted physical touching, making sexually explicit comments or gestures, uninvited calls or text messages, ogling or even cornering someone.
Maybe someone has had too much to drink, maybe you overheard an inappropriate comment, maybe you saw someone physically cross a line. Check in on the person that might be uncomfortable, ask them if they are okay. Stand up to the person acting outside of our code of ethics. Together we have the power to create a culture of accountability. Bottom line, if you see something, say something.
