Text version scenario

An experienced colleague seems to be trying to find any excuse to be alone with me. Earlier today when we approached a set of stairs he told me to walk ahead of him as we climbed, so he could get a better view. Later I quietly mentioned this to a male colleague, and he did not seem surprised at all. He said “that’s just his way, everybody knows what he is like”. And his advice was to stay away from him.

Discussion question

• Is this sexual harassment?
• If everyone knows but no one is
  doing anything - why is that so?
• What can/should the person do?
• What can/should her colleagues do?
• How do we create a culture where we speak up for each other and provide each other with feedback on un-professional behavior?

Things to consider

Sexual Harassment has been something that very is often in the shadows, the power of social movements like #MeToo has allowed them to be brought into the public domain.

• Both women and men can be the victim of sexual harassment but statistically women are at much higher risk than men, of being sexually harassed particularly in male dominated industry and organization like Skanska.
• The phenomena of sexual harassment has much more to do with gender/power relations in organizations than with sex and sexual desires.
• We will never be “fully done” with inclusion – it’s a continuous improvement journey where all of us are responsible to do our part. An inclusive workplace is characterized by openness, fairness, trust and respect. We should be speak up for each other to safeguard inclusion.
• Skanska does not accept any kind of harassment, bullying or discrimination. Always try to resolve situations like the one in the scenario by open, candid conversations. If this isn’t possible turn to your manager, your manager’s manager or HR. As last resort there is always also our ethics hotline. "