Most people assume they’d know sexual harassment if they saw it. A dirty joke. An inappropriate text. An unwanted touch. But sexual harassment isn’t always obvious. It often hides in plain sight. And even when it doesn’t, the damage it causes can ripple through an entire workplace. That’s why understanding what percentage of employees witness harassment at work is crucial—it reveals how widespread and often overlooked the problem really is.
If you’re wondering, “What percentage of employees witness harassment at work?” the answer is more disturbing than you might think—a lot. Sadly, statistics on sexual harassment in the workplace are a symptom of a widespread problem that persists across industries and income levels. Moreover, whether sexual harassment happens in restaurants, hotels, or office parks, it thrives when people are afraid to speak up or when they try to handle it alone.
If you believe you’ve experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at work, call the Law Office of John Dalton immediately. John Dalton has spent decades advocating for workers in California who are often overlooked, intimidated, or silenced. He answers his own phone and will listen. He knows how these companies work. He knows the games they play. And he doesn’t back down. With a background in the CIA and decades of experience in trial law, John treats every case like a mission.
What Percentage of Employees Witness Harassment at Work?
The reality is stark. Between 2018 and 2021, the EEOC recorded 27,291 charges alleging sexual harassment. And according to the 2023 HR Acuity Workplace Harassment & Misconduct Insights report, 40% of employees reported witnessing some form of workplace sexual harassment. Among younger workers and women in lower-wage roles, that number rises even more. That means nearly two in five employees have personally witnessed inappropriate or harassing behavior. But the actual number may be much higher. Many people fail to recognize what they’re witnessing or are hesitant to label it as harassment. Others choose not to report it out of fear of retaliation.
Sexual Harassment Statistics in the Workplace Don’t Tell the Whole Story
When people search for “sexual harassment statistics in the workplace,” they often want a number that can tell them whether what they saw or experienced counts. But statistics are only part of the truth. For instance, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), as few as 6% of workers who experience sexual harassment ever report it formally. Moreover, a peer-reviewed 2021 study found that 18.8% of men also reported witnessing sexual harassment in the workplace but were less likely to report it. In other words, the actual answer to “What percentage of employees witness harassment at work?” may be much higher than the data indicates.
Whatever your situation, the first step is to call the Law Office of John Dalton. Before you tell your manager, file a report, or start documenting anything, let us guide you through what to say, what not to say, and your rights under California law. Even if you just want to feel out your options, we’re here. And we can help you determine the best course of action.
Statistics on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace isn’t rare. And behind every statistic is a person who felt demeaned, unsafe, or pressured into silence. Here are several eye-opening figures:
- Roughly one in seven women and one in seventeen men have either left their jobs, transferred roles, or changed career paths as a direct result of experiencing sexual harassment or assault in the workplace;
- Approximately 60% of women report enduring sexist remarks, unwelcome advances, explicit behavior, or pressure of a sexual nature while on the job;
- Sexual harassment charges accounted for a greater percentage of the total charges under all statutes received by the EEOC between 2018 and 2021 (9.8%) compared to between 2014 and 2017 (7.7%);
- In certain high-risk industries (like food service or hospitality), studies have found that more than 90% of women report encountering sexual harassment during their careers; and
- Advocacy groups and researchers estimate that more than 85% of individuals who face sexual harassment never pursue a legal complaint, and nearly 70% stay silent even within their own organizations.
Taken together, these statistics make one thing clear: Harassment is not the exception. So, when asking “What percentage of employees had witnessed harassment at work,” assume it’s likely happening everywhere.
California’s Laws Offer Strong Protection If You Get Help Early
Unlike federal law, which applies only to employers with five or more employees, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) applies to any employer with just five or more employees. That means if you work in a small business, you’re still covered.
FEHA defines sexual harassment broadly. It includes:
- Unwanted sexual advances or physical conduct;
- Sexually explicit jokes, comments, or gestures;
- Gender-based insults or derogatory statements;
- Repeated unwelcome attention; and
- Retaliation after rejecting advances or making a complaint.
FEHA protections also apply whether the harasser is a coworker, supervisor, vendor, or even a customer.
Don’t Try to Handle This Alone. Contact the Law Office of John Dalton First.
There are numerous well-meaning articles online advising you to report to HR, document everything, or file a complaint with a government agency. However, we’ve seen too many clients harm their case by doing those things without consulting us first.
Here’s why:
- HR works for your employer, not you;
- Documentation is useful, but only if it’s done correctly; and
- Filing with the wrong agency or checking the wrong box can delay your case or make it harder to win.
Instead of guessing, give us a call. We’ll help guide you through your options based on your exact situation. You don’t need to be sure. You just need to reach out.
Contact the Law Office of John Dalton Today
If you’re searching for “sexual harassment in the workplace statistics,” chances are you or someone you care about has been affected. Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from getting help. John Dalton has secured over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for clients in California who were harassed, silenced, or fired unfairly.
Call us today for a free, confidential case review. John is always available by phone. And he’ll listen and guide you with patience and passion.
Resources:
- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Consequences and Perceived Self-Efficacy in Women and Men Witnesses and Non-Witnesses. Link
- Report to Congressional Committee: Actions Needed to Improve Prevention. Link
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Ending Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Workplace. Link
- California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Link