Given the virtual certainty that claims of sexual harassment will increase significantly in the wake of recent media coverage of accusations against Harvey Weinstein and others, employers need to remind themselves what costs are associated with sexual harassment and what practices might best minimize those costs. This article will focus on three significant types of cost: to the individual, to the workforce and to the organization. The article will conclude with some best practice tips on how to mitigate for those costs.

The Cost of Sexual Harassment

To the Individual

An individual who is harassed at work may often experience both physical and emotional symptoms. Typical physical symptoms include feeling sick, headaches, poor sleep habits, loss of energy, weight loss or gain, and stomach problems. Emotional symptoms typically include anxiety, stress, depression, irritability, panic attacks, reduced self-esteem and lack of confidence. In addition to the physical and emotional toll of sexual harassment, studies have shown that women who feel they have been sexually harassed are 6.5 times more likely to change their job and 80 percent of those who feel harassed changed their jobs within two years. Finally, women who are harassed at work report significantly higher financial distress than women who haven't been harassed.

To the Workforce