For the past few years, there’s been a stream of women coming forward to call out sexual harassment in the workplace. Although powerful and empowering, the #MeToo movement has also had unintended consequences.
Our latest research shows that men—particularly those in senior roles—are pulling back from interacting with women at work, depriving them of the formal and informal mentorship that can aid in networking, securing new opportunities, and promotions. To learn more, we asked over 10,000 workers in the U.S. and U.K. about how their employers address sexual harassment and how safe they feel at work.
Last year, we partnered with LeanIn.Org to research worker’s comfort interacting with other genders in the workplace and create a benchmark for future change. This year, we replicated and expanded the study to see how attitudes might have evolved. The short answer? Men are more hesitant to work one-on-one with women than ever.
Fear of sexual harassment accusations is having real impact on mentorship opportunities
Many men in today’s workplace are afraid of being pegged as a harasser—and they are willing to reduce interaction to avoid the label. A full 40% of male managers in the U.K. and 60% in the U.S. say they are uncomfortable engaging in common workplace interactions with women, including mentoring, socializing, and having one-on-one meetings—that’s up 14 percentage points from last year in the U.S..
Senior men are especially uncomfortable socializing with female colleagues. In 2018, only a third of U.S. male managers (34%) said they were uncomfortable socializing with a woman outside of work (like in a restaurant). In 2019, that number rises to nearly half of male managers (48%). In the U.K. the problem is smaller, but still too large—35% of male managers are uncomfortable socializing with a woman outside of work.
More than a third of male managers in the U.S. (34%) and a quarter (24%) in the U.K. have actively taken steps to avoid having to interact with a female colleague outside of work, and men are also more unwilling to accept 1:1 meetings outside the office.
The impact of this reticence is real. Mentoring often includes dinner or drinks outside of working hours, and if male mentors aren’t willing to do that with ambitious women, those women lose out.
How people see the world in the wake of #MeToo
Workers are seeing sexual harassment as being taken more seriously (68%), and few believe the allegations are categorically false (only 8%)—both positive findings!
Workers are seeing sexual harassment being taken more seriously (68% in the U.S. and 72% in the U.K.), and few believe the allegations are categorically false (only 8% in the U.S. and 5% in the UK)—both positive findings!
However, women feel less safe at work than they did before. In the U.S., only 85% said they feel safe on the job, down from 91% last year. In the U.K., 88% of women feel safe at their workplace. Media coverage that is intended to hold aggressors accountable also seems to create a sense of threat, and people don’t seem to feel like aggressors are held accountable.
Unfortunately, most workers agree that harassers—especially high-performing ones—are inconsistently and insufficiently punished for their actions. Only 16% of workers in the U.S. and 13% in the U.K. think that high-performing harassers are usually held accountable for their actions (and 3 in 10 think they are rarely or never punished). Last year, a third of U.S. workers (35%) said punishments were not harsh enough, but this year that number bumped up to half.
Not only does the public believe that the consequences for harassers aren’t appropriate, many also feel that their victims’ careers are disproportionately impacted. More than half of workers (55% in the U.S. and 63% in the U.K.) believe that the consequences of bringing their story to light are more damaging to victims’ careers than harassers’ careers, and 7 in 10 (69% in the U.S. and 76% in the UK) think the consequences last longer for victims than harassers.
Real solutions are possible, and companies are moving in the right direction
There is some good news, though. #MeToo appears to have spurred companies to greater efforts over the last year. In 2018, only 46% of U.S. workers said their company had done something to address harassment in the workplace—this year 70% of U.S. employees report that their company has taken action in some way, These include:
- Updating sexual harassment policies (36%)
- Providing guidance about appropriate behavior at work (43%)
- Providing guidance on reporting inappropriate action (28%)
- Stopping or removing problematic employees (24%)
In the U.K., only 51% say their workplace has made changes in the last two years to reduce the risk of sexual harassment, but a 24% say their company hasn’t made changes because they have already done enough.
And workers believe these actions to be effective. Among employees whose workplace has taken action in the last two years, 71% of U.S. and 63% of U.K. workers say the changes have reduced the likelihood of sexual harassment. Moreover, 76% of U.S. and 70% of UK workers say they have improved the likelihood that an incident of harassment will be handled appropriately.
Notably, workplaces don’t seem to discourage women and men from interacting with each other. 82% of U.S. and 88% of U.K. workers say their workplace doesn’t discourage people of different genders from mentoring, socializing, or traveling together. Even outside the workplace, 80% of U.S. and 87% of U.K. workers haven’t heard that they should avoid interactions with the opposite gender—meaning most of the hesitance male managers feel is internal.
Sexual harassment is a loaded topic, but limiting interactions between male- and female-identifying employees isn’t the answer. Instead, updated policies, trainings, and guidance about appropriate behavior appear to be the most effective strategies for containing bad actors.
If you aren’t sure how your employees feel, our Diversity and Inclusion surveys can help you instantly assess company culture and make positive changes. All of our D&I surveys are free.
Our Mentorship and advocacy template is quick, simple, and perfect for helping employees get the resources they need to really thrive.
This SurveyMonkey poll was conducted online from February 22 - March 1, 2019 among a total sample of 5,182 full time or part time adults age 18 and over living in the United States. Respondents for these surveys were selected from more than two million people who take surveys on the SurveyMonkey platform each day. The modeled error estimate for the full sample is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Data have been weighted for age, race, sex, education, and geography using the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to reflect the demographic composition of the United States age 18 and over.
A second SurveyMonkey poll was conducted online from April 15 - 26, 2019 among a total sample of 5,951 full time or part time adults age 18 and over living in the United Kingdom. Respondents for these surveys were selected from more than two million people who take surveys on the SurveyMonkey platform each day. The modeled error estimate for the full sample is plus or minus 2 percentage points. Data have been weighted for age, gender, education, and geography using U.K. Census data to reflect the demographic composition of the United Kingdom age 18 and over.
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How would you describe these reports? (Select all that apply.)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Not a surprise 46%46%46%Long overdue 33%30%35%Overblown 16%18%14%Self serving, false accusations 8%10%6%The tip of the iceberg 21%21%21%None of the above 11%11%11%No answer 2%1%3%Question wording: How would you describe these reports? (Select all that apply.)Survey dates: –In the last two years, have you heard anyone say men should spend less time with women in the wake of #MeToo?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Yes 17%21%13%No 80%77%83%No answer 3%2%3%Question wording: In the last two years, have you heard anyone say men should spend less time with women in the wake of #MeToo?Survey dates: –Do you think the frequency of sexual harassment is increasing or decreasing these days?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Decreasing 21%27%15%Staying the same 32%31%33%Increasing 22%19%24%Not sure 24%23%26%No answer 2%1%2%Question wording: Do you think the frequency of sexual harassment is increasing or decreasing these days?Survey dates: –Do you feel that sexual harassment is being taken more or less seriously as an issue in the U.S. these days?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 More seriously 68%73%63%Less seriously 8%6%10%About the same 14%12%16%Not sure 8%7%8%No answer 2%1%2%Question wording: Do you feel that sexual harassment is being taken more or less seriously as an issue in the U.S. these days?Survey dates: –Do you think company leaders and high performers are held accountable when they harass someone?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Usually 16%20%12%Sometimes 42%43%41%Rarely or never 29%25%34%Not sure 11%10%12%No answer 2%2%2%Question wording: Do you think company leaders and high performers are held accountable when they harass someone?Survey dates: –Would you say consequences for sexual harassers are generally:
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Much too harsh 3%4%2%Too harsh 7%10%5%About right 36%44%28%Not harsh enough 40%31%48%Not nearly harsh enough 10%7%13%No answer 4%3%4%Question wording: Would you say consequences for sexual harassers are generally:Survey dates: –In your view, are the consequences of harassment more damaging to harassers’ careers or more damaging to victims’ careers?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Much more damaging to harassers 19%26%13%Somewhat more damaging to harassers 21%24%19%Somewhat more damaging to victims 27%24%30%Much more damaging to victims 28%22%34%No answer 4%4%4%Question wording: In your view, are the consequences of harassment more damaging to harassers’ careers or more damaging to victims’ careers?Survey dates: –In your view, do the consequences of sexual harassment last longer for harassers or victims of harassment?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Much longer for harassers 15%20%10%Somewhat longer for harassers 13%16%10%Somewhat longer for victims 27%24%29%Much longer for victims 42%37%47%No answer 4%4%5%Question wording: In your view, do the consequences of sexual harassment last longer for harassers or victims of harassment?Survey dates: –Following these highly publicized reports, which, if any, of the following activities make you uncomfortable? (Select all that apply.)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 2,421 2,421 0 Mentoring a woman from work on an ongoing basis 13%13%0%Being mentored by a woman from work 7%7%0%Going to an evening work-related event with a woman from work 17%17%0%Working alone with a woman at work (e.g., in a private office, conference room) 20%20%0%Socializing with a woman from work alone outside of work (e.g., in a restaurant, hotel) 40%40%0%Traveling with a woman for work 26%26%0%None of the above 46%46%0%No answer 2%2%0%Question wording: Following these highly publicized reports, which, if any, of the following activities make you uncomfortable? (Select all that apply.)Survey dates: –Now thinking back about a two years ago, before these reports of sexual harassment were public, which, if any, of these activities made you uncomfortable? (Select all that apply.)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 2,421 2,421 0 Mentoring a woman from work on an ongoing basis 7%7%0%Being mentored by a woman from work 5%5%0%Going to an evening work-related event with a woman from work 14%14%0%Working alone with a woman at work (e.g., in a private office, conference room) 15%15%0%Socializing with a woman from work alone outside of work (e.g., in a restaurant, hotel) 28%28%0%Traveling with a woman for work 20%20%0%None of the above 56%56%0%No answer 3%3%0%Question wording: Now thinking back about a two years ago, before these reports of sexual harassment were public, which, if any, of these activities made you uncomfortable? (Select all that apply.)Survey dates: –During the last two years, have you avoided any of the following because you were nervous about how it would look? (Select all that apply.)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 2,421 2,421 0 Mentoring a woman from work on an ongoing basis 9%9%0%Being mentored by a woman from work 5%5%0%Going to an evening work-related event with a woman from work 14%14%0%Working alone with a woman at work (e.g., in a private office, conference room) 15%15%0%Socializing with a woman from work alone outside of work (e.g., in a restaurant, hotel) 26%26%0%Traveling with a woman from work 17%17%0%None of the above 61%61%0%No answer 3%3%0%Question wording: During the last two years, have you avoided any of the following because you were nervous about how it would look? (Select all that apply.)Survey dates: –During the last two years, do you feel more senior men you work with have become less likely to do any of the following? (Select all that apply)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 2,761 0 2,761 Mentor women from work on an ongoing basis 12%0%12%Be mentored by a woman from work 12%0%12%Go to an evening work-related event with a woman from work 17%0%17%Work alone with a woman at work (e.g., in a private office, conference room) 20%0%20%Socialize with a woman from work alone outside of work (e.g., in a restaurant, hotel) 30%0%30%Travel with a woman from work 21%0%21%None of the above 47%0%47%No answer 7%0%7%Question wording: During the last two years, do you feel more senior men you work with have become less likely to do any of the following? (Select all that apply)Survey dates: –Which of the following have you experienced at work in the course of your career? (Select all that apply)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Hearing sexist comments or jokes about women 51%52%50%None of the above 38%38%39%Having obscene or sexually explicit comments directed at you 26%22%29%Pressure to “play along” or participate in sexual discussions, humor, or actions 18%16%20%Seeing or receiving unwanted sexual materials (e.g., explicit photos) 14%16%12%Repeated attempts to have a romantic or sexual relationship, despite your efforts to discourage it 12%7%17%Being touched in a sexual way without your consent 11%7%15%Someone exposed themselves to you 5%4%5%Suggestions that you would be penalized for not engaging (or rewarded for engaging) in sexual behavior 3%2%4%Someone sexually assaulted you (i.e., forced themselves on you sexually) 3%2%4%No answer 3%3%4%Question wording: Which of the following have you experienced at work in the course of your career? (Select all that apply)Survey dates: –Do you feel safe from sexual harassment by people you work with?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Yes 88%91%85%No 9%7%11%No answer 3%2%4%Question wording: Do you feel safe from sexual harassment by people you work with?Survey dates: –Which of the following would you expect your company to do in response to a complaint of sexual harassment? (Select all that apply)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Investigate thoroughly 78%79%76%Require strong evidence of intention to take any action 30%33%28%Punish anyone who caused a fellow employee to feel harassed 34%37%31%Get the person who complained to see the other person’s point of view 9%10%8%Try and avoid any legal liability 14%15%13%Nothing 5%5%5%No answer 4%3%5%Question wording: Which of the following would you expect your company to do in response to a complaint of sexual harassment? (Select all that apply)Survey dates: –Do you feel your company would take appropriate action if you or someone you know was harassed by someone at the company?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Definitely 57%61%52%Probably 28%26%29%Probably not 9%7%10%Definitely not 3%3%4%No answer 3%3%4%Question wording: Do you feel your company would take appropriate action if you or someone you know was harassed by someone at the company?Survey dates: –Do you feel you would be treated fairly by your company if you were accused of sexual harassment by someone at the company?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Definitely 37%36%38%Probably 39%38%40%Probably not 15%17%13%Definitely not 6%7%5%No answer 4%3%5%Question wording: Do you feel you would be treated fairly by your company if you were accused of sexual harassment by someone at the company?Survey dates: –What, if anything, has your company done to address issues of sexual harassment in your workplace in the last two or so years? (Select all that apply)
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 5,182 2,421 2,761 Nothing, but the organization has already done what it can 13%16%10%Nothing, even though the organization could do more 8%7%9%Updated its sexual harassment policies 36%37%35%Provided guidance or training to employees about appropriate versus inappropriate behavior at work 43%46%41%Provided better guidance on reporting harassment incidents 28%31%25%Taken action to remove or otherwise stop an employee who has behaved badly 24%26%21%No answer 9%6%12%Question wording: What, if anything, has your company done to address issues of sexual harassment in your workplace in the last two or so years? (Select all that apply)Survey dates: –In your view, have any or all of these changes reduced the likelihood of sexual harassment in your workplace?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 4,126 1,899 2,227 Yes 71%73%68%No 22%22%22%No answer 7%4%10%Question wording: In your view, have any or all of these changes reduced the likelihood of sexual harassment in your workplace?Survey dates: –In your view, have any or all of these changes improved the likelihood that an incident of harassment will be handled effectively?
Gender Answer Total Male Female Unweighted N 4,126 1,899 2,227 Yes 76%79%73%No 16%16%17%No answer 8%5%10%Question wording: In your view, have any or all of these changes improved the likelihood that an incident of harassment will be handled effectively?Survey dates: –
Full Methodology
Two SurveyMonkey online polls were conducted among a national sample of adults in the U.S. ages 18 and older. The first was conducted February 22 - March 1, 2019 among 5,182 adults with a modeled error estimate of +/- 2 percentage points and the second was conducted March 6-10, 2019 among 3,556 adults with a modeled error estimate of +/- 2.5 percentage points. Data for both surveys have been weighted for age, race, sex, education, and geography using the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to reflect the demographic composition of the United States age eighteen and over.
Lean In|SurveyMonkey
LeanIn.Org|SurveyMonkey
*women *employees *businesses
