The Psychological Impact of Sexual Harassment on Victims and Work Environments

Sexual harassment in the workplace has a deep and lasting impact on victims’ mental health. People dealing with harassment at work may suffer trauma, develop trust issues, and perform less well at their jobs.

Moreover, such toxic situations can put a strain on teams and organizations. It’s hard to overstate the psychological impact of sexual harassment on victims and work environments or the importance of supporting survivors in the workplace.

Psychological Effects of Sexual Harassment at Work

Workplace sexual harassment comes in many forms, from unwanted physical contact to inappropriate compliments and intrusive personal questions. While the harassment goes on, victims may experience a lot of stress, shame, and doubt over how to handle the situation. Moreover, the harasser may try normalizing their behavior (“I was only joking/being friendly”), so the target may wonder whether they’re overreacting.

Even after the management puts a stop to the harassment, survivors may struggle with traumatic flashbacks, insomnia, nightmares, and triggering memories. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are also common in people who have suffered prolonged, severe harassment. 

How Sexual Harassment Impacts Physical Health

Sexual harassment may impact the victim’s physical health as well. The ongoing anxiety and stress associated with sexual harassment can cause high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Victims may adopt unhealthy eating patterns like binge eating or even develop full-blown eating disorders. The latter may lead to uncontrolled weight gain or fluctuations. Excessive drinking, smoking, and substance abuse are other detrimental coping mechanisms victims may use to live with stress.

Finally, those suffering from ongoing harassment may lose their motivation for healthy activities like working out or sports. This, too, hurts their mental and physical health. 

Toxic Work Environment Consequences

It’s hard to be productive and efficient when dealing with sexual harassment at work. Harassment victims often find it hard to concentrate on their job. They may struggle with tasks that used to be easy, and their self-esteem may deteriorate. They may also doubt their job security and wonder how the management and colleagues will react if they report the harasser’s behavior.

The psychological impact of sexual harassment on victims and work environments doesn’t stop with the person suffering the harassment. Other workers who witness the situation may no longer see the company as a safe place to work, especially if the harasser is someone in a senior position. They may consider looking for a different job and be less likely to recommend the company to other potential candidates.

Support for Sexual Harassment Survivors

Managers, organization leaders, and HR teams must make every effort to prevent and stop harassment. When an employee comes forward with a harassment report, whoever is responsible for handling the complaint must take it seriously. Employees must know that they need never fear retaliation for reporting sexual harassment and that the company will investigate their complaints quickly and thoroughly.

Companies should also direct workers toward resources for coping with sexual harassment trauma. Addressing mental health after harassment can include one-on-one counseling, group therapy, CBT, and self-care strategies. Some people may need mood stabilizers or antidepressants while they process their experience. 

Meanwhile, following a complaint, company leadership should reiterate that the organization won’t tolerate any type of harassment and will take quick disciplinary action against perpetrators. Responsible employers may consider extra training on sexual harassment prevention and run a survey to learn how they can help all employees feel safe. 

Taking Legal Action After Workplace Sexual Harassment

If you encounter sexual harassment at work, you should report it following the organization’s established protocols. Your company must support you and make every reasonable effort to stop further harassment. This may include issuing a written warning to the harasser, summoning them for a hearing, or ending their employment.

However, some companies either don’t have clear anti-harassment policies or don’t enforce them. You may face a choice between putting up with an unbearable situation or quitting your job. Your employer may even pressure you to withdraw your complaint or retaliate against you for reporting harassment.

If this happens to you, know that state and federal law protects your right to a safe work environment. A workplace sexual harassment lawyer could help you claim compensation for emotional distress and any back pay you lost because of the harassment. Depending on your case, a jury may also award you punitive damages.

Kent Pincin: Representing Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases in California

At Kent Pincin, we understand the psychological impact of sexual harassment on victims and work environments. Did you suffer sexual harassment at work and believe your employer didn’t do enough to prevent or stop the situation? Contact our legal team. We’ll let you know whether you have grounds for a lawsuit and what compensation you may expect.

Call 310-376-0922 or contact us online to consult a workplace sexual harassment attorney.