One-third of the more than 1,000 executives surveyed recently, consisting mostly of men, said that they’ve adjusted their behaviors at work to avoid what could be perceived as sexual harassment in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
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And it’s also evident that such concerns of sexual harassment in the workplace have become even more important to men in the wake of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing, too.
So, what affect has the #MeToo movement had on men in the workplace over the past year? Keep reading to learn more.
Better Quality Training and Better Awareness
According to a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) post, due to the #MeToo movement, more attention is now being paid to the quality of overall sexual harassment training in the workplace.
And men are now more involved in role-playing scenarios during their training courses, have access to more comprehensive policies and resources, are starting to actively foster more respectful cultures, and are taking actions to thwart inappropriate behaviors.
In addition, according to SHRM research, 24% of executives surveyed said they were more careful about what language they use in the workplace now and 16% said they avoid specific topics or jokes. And another 9% said they no longer touch employees at work.
Increase in Bystander Training and Reports Filed
Since the #MeToo movement began last year, experts are now claiming that the number of sexual harassment reports being filed has increased significantly, including those reported by men.
And this is most likely due to the increased rate at which organizations are beginning to implement bystander training, where employees are better trained in what to do when they witness someone else being harassed inside the workplace.
Now it seems that more men are taking an active role in reporting instances of sexual harassment that they witness in the workplace, too.
Extreme Correcting of Behavior
Men are now becoming hyperaware of sexual harassment in the workplace. And because there has been a major increase in litigation against men who have been accused of sexual harassment in the workplace over the past year, they’re beginning to fear that they will be more readily accused of questionable actions or speech.
One executive claimed that he wouldn’t even get into an elevator alone with a woman at work now. Other male executives and managers have also stopped inviting women on business trips or to evening networking events to avoid situations that might be perceived inappropriately. And as a result, many experts are beginning to think that such behaviors can have many unintended yet negative consequences for both men and women in the workplace.
Overall, it seems that while many men view the #MeToo movement in positive ways in the workplace a year later, there is still much apprehension and uncertainty present.