Many workers experience sexual harassment on the job that they never report. They do not speak up about the issues or file formal complaints.
In some cases, one worker will come forward and finally report the harassment they have been experiencing, only to be followed by numerous other employees. These individuals back up the original claims, saying that the same thing happened to them. So why didn’t they report it themselves? Why didn’t they speak up right away?
The concerns of many employees
There are a wide variety of reasons why harassment goes underreported, starting with the fact that people are worried about the impact it will have on their job. Even though retaliating by firing an employee is illegal, for instance, that employee may be concerned that saying something negative will cost them their job. They decide to stay quiet, trying to avoid retaliation.
Similarly, many employees are just worried that no one is going to take their claim seriously. They may think that no one will believe them, that no action will be taken against the harasser and that they will just marginalize themselves within the workplace culture.
Furthermore, even if they are not worried about being fired, they may be concerned about being ostracized or labeled as a troublemaker. For instance, an employee may be concerned that they will be passed over for future promotions if they have a history of making sexual harassment complaints.
Retaliation is illegal, but it is still a significant concern for many employees. Those who have experienced harassment should know all of their legal options and the protections they have under current employment laws.