A concerningly high rate of people admit to using technology to sexually harass colleagues at work.

A recent study by Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS) has produced statistics on workplace technology-facilitated sexual harassment (WTFSH). 

Surveying over 3,300 Australian adults, the report reveals that one in seven admit to engaging in WTFSH.

The findings show a gender disparity, with men significantly more likely than women to harass colleagues electronically. 

About 24 per cent of surveyed men acknowledged using technology to perpetrate workplace sexual harassment compared to just 7 per cent of women. 

The harassment was predominantly reported in male-dominated workplaces.

Perpetrators commonly cited motives that were not related to pursuing a romantic or sexual relationship but were instead focused on causing harm. 

According to the report, 30 per cent of individuals engaged in WTFSH aimed to humiliate their target, another 30 per cent sought to frighten them, and a similar percentage wanted to hurt their feelings. 

The study shows that work emails, social media platforms, and texting are the most frequently used channels for WTFSH. 

Young people and women are identified as particularly vulnerable groups, often targeted by their peers. 

The use of both professional and personal digital tools to harass indicates a blurring of boundaries that can complicate the identification and management of these behaviours in workplace settings.

The ANROWS report calls for urgent actions to tackle WTFSH, stressing the need for clear, robust workplace policies that specifically address the use of technology in harassment. 

It suggests that employers should not only define what constitutes inappropriate behaviour clearly but also establish protocols that discourage such actions and provide clear consequences for violations.

The experts call for a “safety by design” approach - anticipating potential harms and designing workplace technologies and policies that preemptively mitigate risks of harassment.

Since 2022, Australian employers have been legally required to take proactive steps to reduce sexual discrimination and harassment as much as possible. 

However, the study reveals that many employers are still unsure about the best practices for implementing these requirements effectively. 

The research calls for more government-led guidance and mandatory requirements to help organisations create safer workplace environments.

Furthermore, the report shows the need for a shift in workplace culture, led by both employers and government regulations, to foster environments where respectful and professional interactions are the norm, and where technology is used responsibly.

More details are accessible here.