S4E24: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

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In this episode:

• As leaders, we are witness to this strong, liberating, and painful movement that strives to bring healing to the victims of sexual assault and harassment, while making our society better for future generations.

• For such a time as this, you and I, as Christian leaders, not only have the opportunity — but also bear a societal and a biblical mandate — to ensure our organizations are safe places for men and women to work together — workplaces free from all forms of harassment and all the ways in which sexual harassment takes root. We are accountable to determine if we are doing enough to create safety and fend off harm. It may be fair to say that expectations of our organizations to be safe and harassment-free are even higher than others.

• The reality and threat of sexual harassment in the Christian workplace is a tall order because the underlying issues of sexist belief systems, abuse of power and denial have been with us for a very long time. Solomon’s declaration, “nothing new under the sun” is applicable to this topic. Even being a tall order, we must act. Amongst several biblical mandates, we can find around our leadership, is the responsibility to protect our fellow laborers from harm while working with us.

• We are to use our power and position to bring about godly outcomes where workers can flourish in the use of their gifts and talents, working alongside others with safety and trust.

• The good news is that much is being done in response to this movement. New sexual harassment prevention training, webinars, writings, and other resources are flooding the market.

• What I’m suggesting is an approach that includes cultivating a genuine sensitivity within ourselves and within our organizations, ensuring a readiness to respond, and a willingness to act as roots of our leadership in effectively working to prevent sexual harassment and harm in our organizations.

• Three realities to create safe workplaces:

  • The first reality is recognizing that real harm is already in our midst.

  • The second reality is that the dynamics of power are a root cause in harassment and must be addressed.

  • The third reality involves setting the tone at the top; it is necessary and must be personal.

• When 1 in 4 women we hire likely fall into this reality, bringing sensitivities – if not experience, of former harm. In addition, the estimates tell us men who have experienced some form of sexual harassment at work is 1 in 9.

FOLLOW OUR HOST

Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn & Twitter.

Email our host at info@workplaces.org