BOSTON ó Sexually inappropriate comments were nearly twice as frequent in the workplace last year, according to women employees in an annual telephone survey by Novations Group, a global consulting organization based in Boston. Such remarks were heard by 38% of women in 2007, up from 22% in 2006.
The increase, however, was not noticed by their male colleagues, 45% of whom reported such comments in 2007, virtually the same percent as in last yearís survey. When responses for both women and men were combined, the incidence rose from 34% in 2006 to 42% in 2007.
Improper sexual comments continued to be the most common type of harassment or ridicule followed by racial and ethnic slurs, which were reported by 35% and 33% respectively.
As in past years, men were more likely than women to overhear any kind of workplace slur.
Did you hear one or more colleagues at work do any of the following during 2007?
ìInappropriate sexual remarks might go up from year to year,î observed Novations CEO and President Mike Hyter. ìBut the big jump is hard to explain unless itís also a matter of reporting, and that women are becoming more sensitive or impatient in this respect. Whatever the basis, our findings should cause alarm. Any type of wisecrack, taunt or ridicule can threaten anotherís self-respect or sense of safety at work. Unchecked, harassment can undermine productivity and lead to all sorts of problems.î
Among the surveyís other findings:
Employees 18-34 were more than twice as likely (38%) to overhear age-related ridicule than their colleagues over 55 (16%).
In general, employees with more education and income were less likely to hear any kind of workplace ridicule.
On average, westerners heard less workplace ridicule than employees in the north central or southern regions.
Novations Groups conducts the workplace ridicule survey annually, explained Hyter. ìWe can track some trends, but most of all we hope to raise awareness of the harmful effect of so-called workplace humor. Moreover, the new findings suggest the objects of playful remarks may be less willing to play along.î
The national telephone phone survey of 546 employed Americans was conducted for Novations Group January 30 - February 3, 2008 by International Communications Research, Media, PA. The margin of error was /- 4.19%.
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Sharp rise seen in sexual remarks in workplace
Sexually inappropriate comments were nearly twice as frequent in the workplace last year, according to women employees in an annual telephone survey by Novations Group
