Sexual harassment in the professional workplace

An unprecedented, industrywide survey of sexual harassment in the professional workplace reveals industries with the highest prevalence of unwanted sexual behavior, the differences between large and small companies, and blind spots that may be preventing corrections. Fortunately, the data also lights a path forward.

From inappropriate touching to belittling comments, women advisors confront workplace environments that are far from welcoming.

Scratch beneath the surface, and there is a lingering feeling among many in the banking, payments and mortgage sectors that not only is harassment present, but it may actually be inevitable. Experts say institutions need to combat that mindset — or else.

Many workers in the technology departments across a range of industries describe behavior that may fall short of a legal definition of sexual harassment, but is still disturbing and could contribute to low employee morale and high turnover.

Men and women who work in accounting say there’s a low prevalence of sexual harassment in the profession; the numbers suggest otherwise.