The Shocking Data Behind Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Workplace

Who experiences sexual misconduct? In which industries? How often is it reported? A new survey has answers.

Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Sexual misconduct haunts the corporate world. It’s in the headlines every week, and corporate boards, executives, and rank-and-file employees have begun to realize that it’s a problem they need to fight. But before we can effectively fight the problem, we need to map out — in concrete detail — its scope and span. Here are some of the specific questions about sexual misconduct in the workplace that anyone concerned — whether in leadership or the ranks — needs to be able to answer, to protect themselves and their organizations:

• How common is sexual misconduct in the workplace?
• How often is it harassment, and how often assault?
• Who are the predators?
• Who are the prey?
• Are certain ethnic groups or LGBTQ individuals especially at risk?
• How closely related is sexual misconduct to seniority and abuse of power?
• How often are harassment and assault reported — and how often ignored?
• How does it impact employee engagement and flight risk — including for…