‘We can’t allow this to continue in Australian workplaces’
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Despite #MeToo putting sexual harassment on the radar of employers, new research suggests Australian workplaces still have a long way to go.
Almost 75% of Australian women are not satisfied with the outcome of their sexual harassment complaints to their employer, according to new research by Shine Lawyers.
Moreover, over one in three said that they were ignored, and no action was taken.
The ReachTEL poll on behalf of Shine Lawyers surveyed 3677 Australian women over the age of 18 in August.
Shine Lawyers employment law expert Will Barsby added that it’s “very worrying” to see so many women, who have been brave enough to come forward and report harassment to their employer, unhappy with the outcome.
“We can’t allow this to continue in Australian workplaces,” added Barsby.
“There needs to be a proactive campaign by employers to ensure there is proper education of their staff about what is appropriate in the workplace.
“Creating policies and procedures that are enforced will build a culture of safety and security for female workers. Prevention is key.”
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The results also found there’s two main reasons women don’t ledge complaints; either they didn’t think it was a serious enough incident to complain (26.2%) or they were worried about their job security (24.7%)
The survey found almost 19% of women have been sexually harassed at work but only one in five (20.7%) made a complaint.
Barsby added that women are being forced to make very difficult decisions about their personal safety versus the need for job security and earning a wage.
“Almost a quarter didn’t make an official complaint because they were worried about losing their job, which puts them in a very vulnerable position,” said Barsby.
The survey also found that almost 22% of women aged 51 – 65 who had been harassed said they didn’t make a complaint because they were worried about their job security.
According to Barsby, older workers are more likely to have financial pressures that mean keeping their jobs becomes more important than a safe workplace.
“They might have mortgages, children in school or be a carer to a loved one like an aging parent. These things can make a secure wage a priority despite the personal risks.”
Other major findings include:
• 34.1% said their complaint was ignored and no action was taken
• 13.6% of women didn’t report their harassment as they were afraid they wouldn’t be believed
• 8.6% of women would rather leave their job than make an official complaint
• More than 40 percent of the harassment was committed by a boss (32.1%) or supervisor (8.2%), indicating the power imbalance in the workplace remains a major factor in harassment
• One in 6 (15.4%) found out about how to make a complaint from #MeToo stories
• 18.2% decided to resign with no job to go to after making their complaint