A recent survey conducted by The 19th and Survey Monkey, involving over 20,000 U.S. adults, has exposed a concerning trend: disabled workers are much more prone to sexual harassment at workplaces compared to non-disabled ones. These results help highlight an important matter, in need of immediate action.
The research indicated that about 48 per cent of working women with disabilities are victims of sexual harassment and abuse at work. This is in stark contrast to non-disabled women where only 32% of them experienced the same thing. Disabled men are also faced with a similar problem, whereby 32% of them confess having experienced sexual abuse in the office compared to 11% of their able-bodied counterparts.
The survey findings further point to disability and gender interface. This underscores society’s understanding of disability. These findings provide an insight into society’s perception of disability, attractive qualities and how comfortable other non-obvious or non-injured people feel around those who are physically disabled.
It is suggested by leaders in the HR field that HR departments should recognize that harassment, even if unintentional, can have harmful effects. It is emphasized that an individual’s identity plays a significant role in their perception of harassment.
To address this issue effectively, it is recommended that when HR leaders choose or create harassment training, they should consult employees from diverse backgrounds, including those belonging to employee resource groups. It’s not only about having sexual harassment policies; it’s crucial to consistently enforce them. The key lies in promoting a culture of civility from the top down, tailored to the different communities of workers.
The survey findings call for immediate action to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for disabled employees. By addressing this issue comprehensively and taking measures to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, organizations can work towards a more equitable and respectful workplace for all.
