How Workplace Sexual Harassment Affects Job Satisfaction

 Posted on April 30, 2025 in Sexual Harassment

When a workplace is toxic as a result of chronic sexual harassment, the productivity of the employee being harassed decreases. Further, sexual harassment significantly affects job satisfaction and can lead to sexually harassed employees disengaging. One study places the loss of productivity from sexual harassment at $2.62 billion and found that women who had reported sexual harassment felt the harassment significantly undermined their job performance and job satisfaction.

Despite legislation that aims to reduce the incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace, it remains an ongoing issue experienced primarily by women – although men can be sexually harassed on the job as well and often are. If you are facing sexual harassment in the workplace, speaking to an Illinois sexual harassment attorney can be the best step you can take to protect your rights and your future.

Can Sexual Harassment Affect the Long-Term Careers of Women and Job Satisfaction?

Most studies have found that a woman’s earning potential is weakened when she is subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, along with her job satisfaction. But does sexual harassment in the workplace increase a woman’s determination to leave the firm in search of a workplace that is less hostile?

As many as 17 percent of women who are sexually harassed will resign from their jobs, while 8 percent will be fired. Women who are victims of sexual harassment in the workplace are significantly more likely to simply quit their jobs, regardless of how much they might like the job or believe it is important for their careers. Women who are brave enough to report sexual harassment often end up feeling isolated, even ostracized by superiors and co-workers.

The morale and productivity of sexually harassed women in the workplace often declines – not only for the person being harassed but for all employees, as it creates an atmosphere of anxiety and fear, hampering collaboration and teamwork and causing productivity and innovation to decline. Employees who experience sexual harassment can find it incredibly challenging to focus on their work, thanks to constant worry, distress, and fear. All of these things can have a detrimental effect on a woman’s career trajectory and satisfaction with her job.

In What Other Ways Does Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Impact Women?

There are many long-term effects on women who have had to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace. Workplace sexual harassment impacts the mental health of most women who have dealt with this issue, manifesting in depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, and even PTSD.

It can take years for a woman to recover emotionally from workplace sexual harassment. Physical health can also be impacted by workplace sexual harassment. Prolonged stress can cause chronic fatigue, chronic headaches, and stomachaches, and can, over time, cause more serious problems like cardiac issues and hypertension.

Workplace sexual harassment threatens a woman’s employment security and, therefore, her financial security as well. In turn, this leads to poor job performance and low job satisfaction. Some women will take a demotion to get away from a toxic workplace situation. This can lead to a loss of job opportunities and a higher likelihood of financial issues.

A workplace accused of allowing sexual harassment not only costs the employer legal fees, settlements, and the expense of replacing employees who leave because of the harassment, but it can also increase absenteeism, cause lowered productivity, and increase the rate of resignations. The recipient of the sexually harassing behaviors is not the only person affected. Witnesses of sexual harassment can experience many of the same symptoms as the person who was directly harassed.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Sexual Harassment Lawyer

If you are being sexually harassed in your workplace, do not wait – contact a skilled Wheaton, IL sexual harassment attorney from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC to help you determine your next steps. When you choose MKFM Law, you can rest easy, knowing you will have an attorney who will fight for you and your future and who has significant experience in sexual harassment claims. Call 630-665-7300 to schedule your initial attorney meeting.