Though most people are rather uncomfortable talking about it, many have witnessed or experienced first hand inappropriate office behaviour. Unfortunately, the delicate nature of this problem means are unwilling to engage it when it crops up in their own workplaces, leading to damaging myths and preconceptions. Here are some common misconceptions about sexual harassment along with the facts according to the CCMA.<\/p>\n
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A common misconception about sexual harassment is that it encompasses any sexual behaviour in the workplace. In fact, what defines it as harassment is the fact that it\u2019s unwanted. What this means is that if colleagues are willingly engaging in flirtatious and suggestive behaviour, it doesn\u2019t count as harassment – but it\u2019s still very unprofessional, at any rate.<\/p>\n
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Sexual harassment can actually be physical, verbal or even non verbal. This means that even \u201csubtle\u201d things like suggestions, hints, innuendos, jokes, insults, compliments or comments, questions about a person\u2019s sex life or whistling can all be regarded as sexual harassment. Indecent exposure, sexual gestures or displaying explicit materials in the office are all non verbal examples of harassment.<\/p>\n
The idea that sexual harassment is purely physical often means that victims feel they don\u2019t have a legitimate complaint against other behaviours, even though they are also sexual in nature and unwanted.<\/p>\n
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The popular notion of sexual harassment usually involves workplace peers, but it can happen between any members of an organization. Strip searches conducted by or in the presence of the opposite sex are unlawful, as are employers who offer special treatment for sexual favours. In this case, both those who are being manipulated and those excluded from the favouritism can be said to be affected by the harassment.<\/p>\n
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Though it may be true that women are somewhat more vulnerable to workplace harassment, the truth is that anyone can be harassed. Unfortunately, harassment directed to men is not taken as seriously, and so employers need to be vigilant that they are not writing off complaints with \u201cit\u2019s just a joke\u201d.<\/p>\n
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