• involve a high level of contact
with third parties, including
customers, clients or patients
(for example, the retail and
hospitality sectors, and the
health care and social assistance
industry)
• are organised according to
a hierarchical structure (for
example, in police organisations,
the Australian Defence Force,
and the medical and legal
professions).
While there is limited data available on
workplaces located in rural, regional and
remote areas, particular factors such as
geographic isolation, lower population
density and cultural and social dimensions
can increase the risk of sexual harassment
in these settings and create barriers to
reporting or challenging these behaviours.
Small businesses face particular
challenges in addressing workplace
sexual harassment. The small size of the
workplace and high degree of informal
and personal interactions can increase
the risk of sexual harassment and create
barriers to reporting.
Small businesses often lack the resources
and skills to handle complaints. However,
the size and make-up of small businesses
also mean that business owners and
managers are uniquely positioned to
set and influence workplace culture and
behaviour in a positive way.
The Commission recognises that further
research is required to assist in identifying
risk factors for different workplace
settings, as well as developing tailored
solutions.
Impacts of sexual harassment in the
workplace
The Inquiry found that as well as having
a devastating and profound impact on
individuals, workplace sexual harassment
also undermines workplace productivity
and imposes a significant economic cost to
Australian society.
Consultations and submissions described
the complex and interconnected ways
in which experiencing and reporting
workplace sexual harassment can affect
individuals, including through:
• negative impacts on health and
wellbeing
• negative impacts on employment
(both day-to-day and in relation
to career progression)
• significant financial
consequences.
The impact of workplace sexual
harassment is not only limited to
individual victims but extends to their
families, friends, bystanders and other
co‑workers.
Sexual harassment also represents a cost
to Australian employers through:
• lost productivity
• staff turnover
Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces • 2020 • 21