Sexual harassment at work is often misunderstood. Too many damaging myths stop people from recognising harassment or speaking up when it happens. Our union campaign to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace is here to break down these myths and help build safer, more respectful workplaces for everyone.
Let’s tackle some of the most common myths head-on.
❌ Myth 1: “It’s only harassment if it’s physical.”
✅ The truth:
Sexual harassment is not just about physical contact. It includes unwanted comments, jokes, looks, messages, gestures, and other behaviour of a sexual nature that violates someone’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. A persistent comment or crude joke can be just as damaging as physical contact.
❌ Myth 2: “They didn’t mean any harm — so it’s not harassment.”
✅ The truth:
Intent does not matter as much as impact. Even if someone claims they didn’t mean to cause offence, if their behaviour is unwanted and makes a colleague feel uncomfortable or humiliated, it could count as harassment. It’s about how the behaviour affects the person on the receiving end.
❌ Myth 3: “If no one complains, it’s not a problem.”
✅ The truth:
Many people don’t feel safe or confident to complain. They may fear retaliation, not being believed, or harming their career. That doesn’t mean the behaviour is acceptable. A respectful workplace culture means tackling harassment even when no one has formally raised it.
❌ Myth 4: “It’s just banter — people are too sensitive these days.”
✅ The truth:
What some call “banter” can easily cross the line into harassment. If it makes someone feel degraded, humiliated or uncomfortable, it’s not harmless fun. Respect and dignity should always come before a cheap laugh.
❌ Myth 5: “If they laughed along, it must be okay.”
✅ The truth:
People often laugh off uncomfortable situations because they feel pressured, awkward or powerless. That doesn’t mean they welcomed the behaviour. Pay attention to boundaries and how your actions might really be received.
❌ Myth 6: “It’s not harassment if it happens outside work.”
✅ The truth:
Sexual harassment linked to work, including at social events, conferences, work WhatsApp groups or emails, is still workplace harassment. What matters is the connection to work, not where it happens.
Our campaign is about challenging these myths, supporting members, and holding employers accountable.
Everyone deserves to work in an environment where respect is the norm — not the exception.
