Sexual Harassment at the Workplace - Digging into the Cyprus Reality

Abstract

Over the years there has been considerable research in fields such as international business, investigating the degree of sexual harassment at the workplace, however, research in the Republic of Cyprus has been very limited. The study aims to shed light on the prevalence, forms, and impact of sexual harassment, thereby contributing to the understanding of gender dynamics in Cypriot workplaces. A representative sample of 527 female employees from different age groups, professions, and educational backgrounds participated in the study. The main findings highlight the prevalence of sexual harassment in Cypriot workplaces, with specific attention to the various forms it takes – including verbal, physical, and online harassment. The results demonstrated that 68.9% of females indicated that have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment. However, 51.1%, the majority of participants did not report sexual harassment to the human resources/management or the authorities. The most common reasons that prevent victims from reporting the incidents are so it won't become an issue, out of fear of being stigmatized or the possibility of an impact to their career. The study's outcomes underscore the urgency of fostering safe and inclusive workplaces, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective prevention strategies, reporting mechanisms, and support systems.