Examples Of Sex-Based Harassment

Examples of sex-based harassment are most useful when they contain nothing sexual, because that is the category workplaces miss.

• Persistently questioning whether a person is capable of a role by reason of their sex, in front of others.
• Repeated remarks that people of that sex do not belong in the work or the industry.
• Deliberately excluding someone from decisions or information on the same basis, and making the reason plain.
• Sustained mockery of a person using stereotypes about their sex.
• Displaying or circulating degrading material about a sex, not aimed at anyone in particular but directed at the workplace.

None of these involves conduct of a sexual nature. Each can amount to unwelcome conduct of a seriously demeaning nature by reason of a person’s sex.

The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance for employers. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s respect at work training and sexual harassment course.