Why people do not report workplace harassment.
The TUC found that almost three in five women (58%) have experienced harassment at work. For college and university students this figure is higher. According to a survey by the NUS, 68% of students experience verbal or physical sexual harassment.
And, according to the Fawcett Society, 79% of women don’t report sexual harassment at work.
Why don’t people report workplace harassment?
The top reasons for this are: victims aren’t sure what they’ve experienced is harassment. They don’t think they will be believed; they don’t know how to report harassment – processes are unwieldy. Or they are afraid they might lose their jobs.
Ruth Sparkes a marketing & PR professional with a keen insight into the challenges faced by students and staff alike, said, "Things don’t feel like they’re getting better, it's shocking to see the statistics and hear the stories. So we decided to try to make a change, we wanted to create something that not only gave victims a voice, but also helped institutions foster safer environments. That's where SaferSpace comes in."
Sunita, a business professional, was compelled to act after witnessing friends and colleagues face injustices. "The business world isn't immune to these issues," she shared. "Ruth and I realised that by merging our backgrounds, we could create something truly impactful."
The tool stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it offers anonymity, a crucial feature that allows users to share their experiences without the fear of repercussions. This is especially important in hierarchal institutions, such as the military where power dynamics can often deter individuals from coming forward.
Secondly, SaferSpace offers companies actionable insights. It provides HR departments with the data and tools they need to make real change. By understanding the extent and nature of the issues they face, organisations can develop more targeted and effective interventions – like additional training or disciplinary action.
And thirdly the pair have also worked with an AI chatbot engineer to create their own chatbot for users to ask questions and check whether something they’ve witnessed or experienced warrants a complaint.
Ruth Said: “The Worker Protection Bill passed in October, creates a 'preventative duty' of sexual harassment in the workplace – meaning employers must create a culture of prevention. This means clear policies, training, and proper, impartial investigations into reported harassment, but there’s still a way to go.
“In time, I hope that when people are applying for jobs, they are going to look for employers who have the SaferSpace logo on their websites.”
The response from early adopters has been overwhelmingly positive. Several universities and corporate entities are in advanced stages of discussions to integrate SaferSpace into their operational frameworks and we’ve had a couple of requests from the USA.
Ruth added, "While developing SaferSpace, Sunita and I often reflected on our own experiences. It’s a stark reminder that this isn’t just a business endeavour for us; it's deeply personal."
As institutions and organisations worldwide grapple with the realities of the digital age, tools like SaferSpace will become increasingly indispensable. With its launch, Ruth and Sunita hope they've ignited a conversation, asking us all to reflect on the roles we play in making our spaces safer.
