Workplace inclusion could play a critical role in preventing sexual harassment, with new research from Diversity Council Australia (DCA) showing workers in inclusive teams are three times less likely to experience sexual harassment at work.
The findings come from The Power of Inclusion: Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment, a new report released by DCA exploring the powerful link between workplace inclusion and lower rates of sexual harassment. Drawing on data from 3,000 workers across Australia, the report found:
- Inclusion can prevent harm: workers in inclusive teams were three times less likely to experience sexual harassment than those in non-inclusive teams (12% compared with 37%). Workers with inclusive managers or organisational cultures were at least two times less likely.
- Exclusion increases risk: workers who experienced discrimination were six times more likely to experience sexual harassment than workers who did not (54% compared with 8%). Everyday exclusion, such as being stereotyped, ignored or left out of social activities, was also strongly connected with an increased risk of sexual harassment.
- Inclusion reduces risk: even in workplaces with multiple recognised risk factors for sexual harassment, workers in inclusive teams were half as likely to experience sexual harassment than those in non-inclusive teams (25% compared with 45%).
The report comes as sexual harassment remains a persistent workplace issue, with almost one in five Australian workers (18%) reporting they had experienced sexual harassment at work in the previous 12 months.
“Everyone deserves to be safe, respected and treated with dignity at work. Sexual harassment undermines a person’s sense of safety, belonging and confidence, and its effects can be profound and long-lasting,” said Catherine Fitzpatrick, CEO of Diversity Council Australia.
“While policies, training and complaints procedures remain essential, the persistence of this harmful behaviour tells us the current approach isn’t enough. This report calls on employers to recognise inclusion as a necessary, evidence-based strategy for preventing harm.
“The evidence is clear: when workplaces invest in inclusion, they create safer environments for everyone. Organisations have a powerful opportunity to embed inclusion into their workplace health and safety frameworks and take proactive action before harm occurs.”
The Power of Inclusion: Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment will be released alongside a suite of practical resources to help organisations prevent sexual harassment, including a dedicated practice guide and resources for both leaders and employees.
