Where is Workplace Sexual Harassment More Likely to Occur?

 Posted on June 11, 2025 in Sexual Harassment

The number of employees who report having experienced sexual harassment in the workplace is eye-opening, to say the least. Almost 60 percent of all women say they have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in the form of unwanted sexual attention, sexist comments, sexually crude conduct, or sexual coercion. Fourteen percent of all men say they have been sexually harassed while at work.

One in seven women and one in 17 men have sought a new job assignment, changed jobs, or quit a job as a result of sexual harassment. Some industries are worse than others, including the service industry. Unfortunately, more than 85 percent of those who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace will not file formal legal charges, while 70 percent never even make an internal complaint.  

The type of industry and the size of the business can also affect the level of sexual harassment that goes on.  If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable Wheaton, IL sexual harassment attorney who can help you file a sexual harassment claim or a lawsuit when appropriate.

Does a Lack of Women in Senior Leadership Positions Contribute to Sexual Harassment?

Researchers have found that male-dominated, super-hierarchical workplaces were particularly forgiving when it came to bad behavior by men in the form of sexual harassment. The more women there are in a corporation, especially in leadership roles, the less prevalent sexual harassment incidents appear to be.

This is not because women prevent the behavior (women can also be perpetrators of sexual harassment) but rather because male-dominated organizations are more likely to have what is known as a "locker-room" culture, which consists of competitive and aggressive behaviors. When a locker room culture exists, the men in the corporation are less likely to recognize sexual harassment against women.

Men can feel as though their "dominance" is being threatened by the few women in the organization and, as a result, treat women less as valued work colleagues and more as sexualized pawns. It may be acceptable to put women "in their place" through sexist comments, obscene gestures, or even inappropriate sexual touching.  

Hierarchy in an Organization Contributes to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

While many organizations are hierarchical, at least to an extent, when there is a significant power imbalance among those in the organization, sexual harassment is more likely to occur. Excessive power over others is corruptive in that it creates a situation where bad behavior, lack of empathy, and socially inappropriate, sexualized behavior are accepted.

In particular, when powerful individuals have the power to make or break another’s career (like Hollywood actresses), sexual harassment may be rampant. Victims and bystanders are justifiably worried about what will happen to their careers if they speak up. At its very core, unequal power relations between men and women at work can significantly contribute to sexual harassment in the workplace.    

Companies with Inadequate Training and Policies are More Likely to Have Sexual Harassment in the Workplace  

Any organization, regardless of size or makeup, that does not have comprehensive policies and training programs in place to combat sexual harassment is more likely to experience it. Employees who might curtail their behavior in the face of strict sexual harassment policies are less likely to do so when those policies are absent. Without widespread sexual harassment training, employees and victims may not be able to identify, address, and report sexual harassment incidents.  

Small Organizations Complicate Sexual Harassment Claims

Victims of sexual harassment who work in a relatively small organization are more likely to fear retaliation for reporting the behavior. Victims may also worry about how their sexual harassment claims will be seen by coworkers, bosses, or even the owners of the businesses. These fears prevent individuals from speaking up, which often means the sexual harassment becomes ongoing.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Sexual Harassment Attorney

If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, the best step you can take is to speak to an experienced Wheaton, IL sexual harassment lawyer from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC. Call 630-665-7300 to schedule your initial attorney meeting.