The office should be a safe place where every individual feels empowered to bring their best selves and do their best work. Sexual harassment creates a hostile and unsafe work environment that can take the form of any discriminatory, uninvited comments, conduct, or behavior regarding sex, gender, or sexual orientation. Our work at Holistic includes facilitating Sexual Harassment Prevention Training which outlines steps we can all take to identify, stop, and further prevent workplace harassment. In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), we want to highlight this issue and share some startling statistics on sexual harassment in the workplace. Included are resources to report instances of harassment and actionable steps to take in preventing workplace harassment

Did you know…

In AllVoices "State of Workplace Harassment," nearly 832 Americans were surveyed and provided unique insights on sexual harassment, workplace harassment, and discrimination. Here were some of the key findings: 

• 44% have experienced harassment at work.

• 38% still experienced harassment remotely, through email, video conferencing, chat apps, or by phone.

• 34% have left a job because of unresolved harassment issues. 26% have remained at a workplace despite there being ongoing issues of harassment.

• 85% are more likely to report harassment if they have an anonymous channel.

• Only 72% believe their workplace wants harassment reported. 28% say their workplace does not encourage employees to raise issues of harassment.

Avenues to Report Workplace Harassment:

Call the State of Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Helpline

• Confidential helpline to report experienced or witnessed acts of sexual harassment: 

  • Call: 1-877-236-7703

  • Visit www.illinois.gov/SexualHarassment

• Trained operators can provide counseling services, numerous reporting options along with answering frequently asked questions.

Report the incident directly to your employer:

• Your Supervisor

• Human Resources Officers

• Designated Sexual Harassment Reporting Officers

Filing a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)

• The IDHR is a state agency designed to enforce and uphold the Illinois Human Rights Act.

• File a complaint directly at www2.illinois.gov/DHR/filingacharge/pages/intake.aspx

  • They will then investigate the employer. A charge may be filed within 300 days of the incident's occurrence.

File a report with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC)

• Report workplace harassment online or learn how to do so in person here.

• Similar to filing with the IDHR, but on the federal level.