Sexism in the workplace

#Metoo has clearly shown how deeply rooted sexism is in our society - and not only in Hollywood. Even though men also suffer from it, it is mainly women who are affected by sexism in the workplace. It starts subliminally with the fact that women usually spend much longer looking for a job, earn less and are much less likely to be in leadership positions in companies, and it doesn't end in obviously sexist sayings and actions by (mostly) male colleagues either...

Sexism in everyday working life

The one colleague who is always a little too touchy-feely or shouts offensive whistles as soon as you enter the office. The boss who always stares a little too long or the department head who constantly throws around sexist comments like "As a woman, you can make much better coffee": Sexism in the workplace can have many aspects, but they all have one thing in common: Those affected feel uncomfortable, insecure and don't know how to deal with the situation. Should sexual harassment be called out, or is it more likely to damage one's own career? 

Is it better to put up with sexism in the workplace?

The fact is: enduring sexual harassment in the workplace - for the sake of your own career or popularity in the company - does absolutely nothing!  

Sexualized harassment rarely stops on its own, because very few harassers are simply interested in a nice compliment that perhaps crosses the line a bit. Most of them are clearly interested in demonstrating their power and weakening the other person's self-confidence.

Silence is not an option!

Unfortunately, there is no universal recipe for the right behavior in the case of sexism in the workplace. As a first step, it is important to point out your own boundaries as soon as you feel attacked. An energetic "Stop it" can already help to put the person in their place and for you to have peace.  

If this does not help, there is optimally a trustworthy person to whom one can turn - who can observe the sexist behavior and act as a witness it if necessary. In the event that a complaint to a superior becomes necessary, it is recommended to keep a protocol regarding the harassment. This can be used to contact one's own supervisor or employer. The supervisor of the harassing person can also be consulted. Depending on the size of the company, equal opportunity officers, personnel or works councils can also be involved. All these possible contacts are legally obligated to take care of such concerns.  

If you do not receive any or sufficient support within the company, there are official bodies you can turn to, such as the Equal Treatment Ombud and the Chamber of Labor in Austria or similar in your own country.  

What to do when others experience sexual harassment? 

If one witnesses inappropriate behavior at the workplace against certain colleagues accidentally and (perhaps even) repeatedly, it can help to approach the person concerned, to sound out how stressful the assaults are for him or her and to offer a conversation. In addition, it cannot hurt to "record" all situations of sexual harassment. 

Victims of sexualized behavior must decide on their own terms how and when they want to deal with the situation, but it can be immensely helpful and encouraging to have a trustworthy person at their side!