Alcohol and Workplace Sexual Harassment: Is There a Connection?

 Posted on March 22, 2022 in Main

Happy hours and other work events involving alcohol are common in many different industries. Holiday parties, retirement parties, and other celebrations are often overflowing with wine, champagne, beer, and liquor. However, many people are starting to question whether serving alcohol at work events is a good idea. Alcohol has been proven to slow down the central nervous system and lower inhibitions. Studies have also shown a direct link between alcohol consumption and sexual risk-taking.

If you were sexually harassed or assaulted at a work event, the perpetrator’s intoxication does not excuse the behavior. Report the harassment according to your company guidelines. If the situation is not rectified, contact a sexual harassment lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Sexual Harassment at Work May Be Fueled by Alcohol

Many businesses encourage the staff to enjoy time together outside of regular work duties. Parties, outings, and related activities can improve employee morale and present team-building opportunities. Unfortunately, many work events involve alcohol and this can increase the chances of inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment. Having one or two drinks at an office party or happy hour event may seem harmless, but drinking with co-workers can sometimes escalate and eventually cause an unhealthy and offensive workplace culture.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that significant alcohol consumption by male employees increased the prevalence of gender-based discrimination and harassment. Of course, sexual harassment is not always perpetrated by men.  Women can also be instigators of sexual harassment and discrimination.

What to Do If You Were Harassed at Work

Being drunk is not an excuse to make sexual advances, rude remarks, or offensive jokes at someone’s expense. If you have been subjected to sexual harassment at work by a co-worker, it is important to report the incident(s) via e-mail to your human resources department or other designated party. Your employer is required by law to take corrective action. If nothing is done to prevent further harassment or you are retaliated against for reporting the harassment, you may need to report the harassment directly to the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). Some victims of sexual harassment and retaliation are entitled to legal remedies such as monetary damages. A sexual harassment lawyer can help you understand your rights and take the appropriate action.

Contact a DuPage County Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Holiday parties and other work events involving alcohol are sometimes opportunities for sexual harassment. If you were sexually harassed by someone at work, it is important to stand up for your rights. A Wheaton sexual harassment lawyer from MKFM Law can help. Our team has helped many people just like you. Call our office today at 630-665-7300 for an Initial Attorney Meeting.

Sources:

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2004/03/workplace-drinking-and-gender-harassment-linked

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11351836/

https://www.inc.com/samuel-bacharach/drinking-culture-gender-harassment.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2999764/