Majority of male workers 'sexually harassed' by female colleagues
Wednesday July 02 2008
THREE out of four Irish men in the workplace experience sexual harassment from women, but are too afraid to complain to their employer, a new report shows.
A survey from employment law firm Peninsula Ireland found that 77pc of Irish men in the workplace experience sexual harassment from women, with 84pc of them too afraid to complain to their employer.
It found that 89pc of Irish employers admit that they would not initially take a complaint from a male worker as seriously as that from a female worker.
It also showed that six out of 10 of Irish male workers do not feel sexual banter is appropriate in the workplace.
Alan Price, head of Peninsula Ireland, said the tables have turned, as women taunt male workers as targets for sexual banter at work.
"Many Irish workers are under the opinion that sexual banter is an acceptable norm in the workplace, yet don't believe that even the most innocent sexual joke can be taken in the wrong way."
He also said that men do not feel gender discrimination applies to them, and tend to accept banter aimed at them.
"These are often in reference to inappropriate jokes being made in the workplace but are increasingly based on more serious and direct forms of sexual harassment. It needs to be remembered that the majority of people find it uncomfortable to hear sexual banter being circulated in the workplace."
Mr Price said that Irish employers should have strict controls and procedures in place and they must ensure these are communicated to all staff.
"It is an employer's responsibility to investigate harassment claims, whatever the employee's gender."
The survey was conducted on 1,743 Irish male employees and 874 Irish employers from a wide range of industries.
- Sharon Lynch
