80% of men harassed at Christmas parties

More than 80% of men have been subjected to sexual harassment during their Christmas parties and 76% report that they were too ashamed of coming forward for fear of being emasculated by their peers.

The alarming figures were revealed in a survey conducted by Peninsula Ireland which questioned 937 employers and managers regarding annual office festive activities.

The survey also found that 64% of female workers still feel that sexual harassment comes from male colleagues and not female colleagues.

Alan Price, managing director of Peninsula Ireland, said we stereotypically tend to link sexual harassment to women being the victim of male perpetrators and fail to consider whether men are also on the receiving end.

“In the 21st century, men are increasingly likely to fall victim to workplace sexual harassment,” said Mr Price. “This ridiculous idea of laddish mentality and male bravado needs to be crushed. Sexual harassment is no laughing matter and should be taken seriously in the same way it should be if a woman was experiencing it.”

The survey also found that 73% of management claims they are unsure how to deal with accounts of male sexual harassment.

“Men shouldn’t feel as though they need to be ashamed of coming forward and being mocked about sexual harassment from a female co-worker,” said Mr Price. “Regardless of who the victim is, this behaviour should not be tolerated and employers need to take immediate action.”

Mr Price had this advice for employers ahead of Christmas parties.

“Although some rules will obviously be relaxed, clear written guidance should be provided to all... that inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with as if it had been carried out in working time and so disciplinary action could result,” he said.