Sexual Harassment in the workplace. By Jorja Smith

What is sexual harassment? Sexual Harassment can be used in 3 types of ways verbally, physically, or visual. Some examples of verbal ones would include Sexual remarks, “Jokes” with sexual overtones, and threats if you do not agree to do something. Physicality would include grabbing you close, touching you where they are not to be, brushing against your body. Visual could be stuff like displaying pictures or photographs that you did not agree to see. A goal the Saskatchewan Human Rights Codes has that they want to enforce is promoting and protecting individuals dignity and equal rights. 

 Who says it sexual harassment? Men and women have different thoughts of what it means to be sexually harassed. What was meant to be a light hearted joke to other men, could be offensive to many females. Courts have in fact, say females are more adversely affected by sexual harassment than males.

How does being a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace effect you as employee? Some examples of how you would feel could include being humiliated for not speaking your word, ashamed of your own body, and embarrassed to be around other employees. If you are a victim it can impair your job performance, give you panic/anxiety attacks, as well as decrease your job satisfaction. When having to deal with Sexual harassment it takes energy away from you, so you can do your job at 100%. A result of sexual harassment in the workplace can lead to absenteeism.

As an employer it is part of your job to make sure everyone is safe in the workplace. Something that you could look into having a discrimination free workplace. You could try enforcing penalties if you get complaints from your staff/employees, which could include suspension, terminations, and/or written/verbal reprimands. As well you establish a code of conduct and an anti-harassment policy. If you are a victim, what can you do to help yourself? You could try making it clear to the harasser that the behavior is unwelcome. Getting a hold of your union and file a grievance, encourage them to put an anti-sexual harassment clause in collective agreement. 

                                                                       Works Cited 

 https://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/for-employers/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace/

https://soundgirls.org/subtle-sexual-harassment/