Dear Santa, it was his fault An annual survey conducted by Peninsula Ireland, which questioned 937 employers and managers regarding annual office festive activities including Christmas parties, highlighted some alarming figures.
- 81% of male colleagues have been subjected to sexual harassment during their Christmas parties.
- 76% report that they were too ashamed of coming forward with fear of being emasculated by their peers.
Alan Price, Managing Director of Peninsula Ireland said today, “Stereotypically, we tend to link sexual harassment to women being the victim of male perpetrators, neglecting to consider whether men are also on the receiving end. But in the 21st century are men becoming increasingly likely to fall victim to workplace sexual harassment, if these results are anything to go by, it is already happening more than we think.” “When we envision work’s Christmas parties, we conjure up the idea often portrayed in advertisements, whereby we get dressed up, indulge in lavish foods and generally have a good time. What we fail to realise is that without appropriate conduct and control Christmas parties can turn from a night of entertainment, to a night of debauchery and regret.” “It is shocking that male employees are starting to report such behaviour, but is it more shocking because we don’t generally think of this as the norm in society? Men shouldn’t feel as though they need to be ashamed of coming forward and being mocked about experiencing sexual harassment from a female co-worker. Regardless of who the victim is, this behaviour should not be tolerated and employers need to take immediate action to prevent further instances of sexual harassment on both ends from taking place.” Price adds, “The work Christmas party may well be deemed an extension to the workplace and therefore, you should inform employees that certain standards of behaviour are expected. Although some rules will obviously be relaxed, clear written guidance should be provided to all employees that inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with as if it had been carried out in working time and so disciplinary action could result.” “This ridiculous idea of laddish mentality and male bravado needs to be crushed, sexual harassment is no laughing matter and should be taken extremely seriously, in the same way it should be if a woman was experiencing it. Men don’t ask for unwanted attention from females in the same way women don’t ask for unwanted attention from men. Employers need to ensure they create an open culture when it comes to discussing this issue, as without one sexual harassment will continue to go unnoticed.” Price concludes, “Prevention is key as we move into the Christmas party season. Whilst employees shouldn’t be stopped from having some festive fun, what we don’t want is for that fun to be at someone else’s expense. Employers need to be aware that sexual harassment ranges from sexual behaviour, for example inappropriate physical interaction to sex-related harassment in the form of innuendo and jokes. It is important for employers to be vigilant and make employees aware of what may happen as a result of their transgressions. Remember that this issue is not just for Christmas, but something that should take precedence all year round.” If you have any questions on this article then please do not hesitate to contact our 24 Hour Advice Service 0818 923 923
