Picture this: You’re at work, trying to get through a busy day, when a colleague makes a suggestive joke about your appearance. You force a smile, brush it off, and tell yourself, “It’s just a joke.” But the next day, it happens again. And again. Then, someone “accidentally” brushes against you one too many times, and suddenly, coming to work feels like stepping onto a battlefield.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is often dismissed as harmless fun, but the reality is far from funny. It’s unwelcome, inappropriate, and illegal. Yet, many people don’t recognise it until it spirals out of control. So, let’s break it down–know it, name it, and stop it.
What Exactly Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual advance, request, comment, or behaviour that makes a workplace uncomfortable, intimidating, or downright unbearable. It doesn’t matter whether it’s verbal, non-verbal, or physical–if it crosses the line, it’s harassment.
Under Ghana’s Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) and the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29), sexual harassment is a violation of workplace rights. But here’s the kicker: it’s not always obvious. Sometimes, it’s a sleazy remark whispered in passing. Other times, it’s a boss hinting that your next promotion depends on how “friendly” you’re willing to be.
The Key Takeaway: If it makes you feel uncomfortable, pressured, or unsafe—it’s harassment. Period.
The Two Faces of Workplace Sexual Harassment
Not all harassment looks the same. Sometimes, it’s as blatant as a hand where it doesn’t belong. Other times, it’s buried under layers of power plays and inappropriate humour. But legally, it usually falls into two categories:
1. Quid Pro Quo (“This for That”)
This is the classic abuse of power–when someone in authority (a boss, manager, supervisor) offers job benefits in exchange for sexual favours. Think of it like an unfair trade deal:
- “Let’s discuss your promotion over dinner… at my place.”
- “If you want to keep your job, you’ll have to be more ‘flexible’ with me.”
This form of harassment is particularly dangerous because the victim is often afraid of losing their job if they refuse. And in many cases, the harasser knows exactly how to exploit that fear.
2. Hostile Work Environment
Not all harassment is about promotions and pay raises. Sometimes, the entire workplace becomes toxic because of constant inappropriate behaviour. A hostile work environment happens when sexual jokes, explicit messages, or unwelcome advances create a space where employees feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Some examples:
- A group of coworkers keeps making crude sexual jokes in meetings.
- Someone repeatedly sends you “funny” but sexually suggestive memes.
- A colleague won’t stop invading your personal space, even after you tell them to back off.
This kind of harassment affects everyone–not just the direct victims. Even those who witness it may feel uneasy, leading to low morale, stress, and a toxic work culture.
Read: Corporate Stockholm Syndrome: Why We Stay in Toxic Jobs (Even When We Know Better)
The Everyday Harassment We Ignore
Many people experience workplace sexual harassment without even realising it. Some brush it off, thinking they’re overreacting. Others feel pressured to “just laugh it off.” But let’s be real: if it makes you feel uneasy, it’s NOT okay.
Here are some everyday examples of harassment that shouldn’t be ignored:
- Unwanted physical contact – Hugs, hand-holding, “accidental” touching, or back rubs.
- Relentless romantic advances – If someone keeps asking you out after you’ve said no, that’s harassment.
- Sexual jokes & comments – Even if they’re “just playing,” if it makes you uncomfortable, it’s a problem.
- Explicit messages & inappropriate images – Whether it’s in a group chat or a private DM, it’s not acceptable.
- Whistling, catcalling, or suggestive looks – The office is not a marketplace. Keep it professional.
Sexual Harassment: Not Just a “Women’s Issue”
Sexual harassment affects both men and women. While it’s true that women face the bulk of harassment cases, men are also victims, and their experiences are often dismissed.
Examples of Male Victims:
- A female boss constantly makes inappropriate comments about a male employee’s body.
- Male interns are pressured by senior staff to engage in after-hours “fun” or risk career stagnation.
- A male worker is ridiculed for rejecting advances because “a real man wouldn’t say no.”
The Silent Struggle:
Men are less likely to report harassment due to shame, stigma, and the fear of not being taken seriously. But harassment is harassment, no matter who it happens to. It’s not about gender—it’s about respect.
Why Should You Care? (Hint: It’s Not Just About You!)
Sexual harassment is not just a “personal problem”—it affects entire workplaces and businesses.
For Employees:
- It causes stress, anxiety, and even depression.
- Productivity drops when people feel unsafe.
- People start avoiding work (hello, absenteeism!).
For Businesses:
- It destroys company culture and morale.
- It leads to high employee turnover.
- It opens the door for serious lawsuits and reputational damage.
In short, everyone loses when harassment is ignored.
Read: Toxic Workplaces 101: When to Fight, When to Flee
Let’s Call It Out & Shut It Down
Sexual harassment thrives in silence. The more we ignore it, the worse it gets. The next time someone says, “It was just a joke!”, ask yourself–was it funny, or was it inappropriate?
Recognising harassment is the first step. Calling it out is the second. Stopping it is the goal.
In my next article, I’ll dive into how to spot red flags and what companies (and employees) can do to prevent sexual harassment before it even starts. Because when it comes to workplace respect, everyone deserves a seat at the table–without harassment pulling up a chair.
