Study Reveals Prevalence of Workplace Sexual Harassment Remains Unchanged for Women

Despite all the talk about improving workplace conditions for women, a troubling truth remains. Sexual harassment is still widespread and has not diminished over the past five years, research shows. This ongoing issue is highlighted in the latest Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org.

The findings show that women continue to face harassment and bias in the workplace, even though the conversation about gender equity is louder than ever. While some progress has been made in certain areas, like women breaking through to higher executive positions, sexual harassment continues to be a problem in workplaces in California and beyond.

The study was the largest of its kind, examining women’s experiences in U.S. corporate workplaces through a survey of 280 companies. The report reveals that 40 percent of women have faced some form of sexual harassment during their careers. The misconduct includes everything from inappropriate comments and sexist jokes made by male coworkers to more serious cases of harassment.

Most concerning is that this figure has remained unchanged over the last five years, even with the momentum generated by the #MeToo movement and companies pushing for more inclusive and respectful workplace environments. Younger women under the age of 30 report similar levels of harassment as older women. This shows that the problem is not limited to one generation but is a systemic issue affecting women of all ages in the workforce, with little improvement since 2018.

One of the biggest obstacles to addressing sexual harassment is the lack of trust women have in their employers to handle these situations appropriately. According to the study, only half of women are confident that their employer will take appropriate action if they report harassment.

Lack of faith in employers is a major reason harassment often goes unreported. Many women fear that speaking out will not lead to meaningful change or, worse, that they will face retaliation. When employees don’t feel supported by their employers, harassment can persist, creating an unsafe work environment.

While the prevalence of sexual harassment is concerning, there are some positive developments in the report, especially in terms of women advancing to leadership positions. Women now hold 29 percent of top executive roles, a significant increase from 17 percent in 2015.

However, this progress does not come without its challenges. Women, particularly women of color, still face slower career advancement and higher performance expectations compared to their male counterparts. The study shows that while women are making strides, they continue to face barriers that hold them back from achieving full equality in the workplace.

Recently, there has been growing scrutiny of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with some companies cutting back on these programs. About 78 percent of surveyed employers considered gender diversity a high priority, marking a decrease from 87 percent in 2019. A similar drop was also reported for racial diversity. The data signals a worrying trend, suggesting that efforts to combat harassment and promote gender equality may be sidelined, leaving workers unprotected and vulnerable. In some cases, unfair treatment may rise to the level of gender discrimination or race discrimination, both of which are unlawful.

For workers experiencing sexual harassment, it is important to know that you do have options and rights. If you are dealing with sexual harassment at work, you do not have to face it alone. Consulting a knowledgeable employment lawyer can be valuable for understanding what action you can take to stop the unlawful behavior and hold those responsible for it accountable.

McCormack Law Firm is here to help you stand up for your rights. Our skilled San Francisco employment attorneys are dedicated to representing workers in employment law claims. We have experience handling cases that involve wrongful termination, retaliation, sexual harassment, discrimination, unpaid wages and more. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.