A recent article in the Salt Lake Tribune discusses the fact that sexual harassment largely remains unreported. The articles states that “National studies show that more than 80% of women report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime.” You can read a full copy of the article here. https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2026/05/12/voices-why-sex-based-harassment-is/
Research shows that sexual harassment is underreported “because the costs of speaking up are often unreasonably high. Studies consistently show that women who report harassment face retaliation ranging from social ostracism to poor performance reviews, stalled career progress, involuntary transfers, and even job loss. Meanwhile, men who are accused of misconduct rarely face comparable consequences.”
Employers should work with counsel to create policies that support a work environment in which employees feel free to report unlawful harassment without fear of retaliation. Studies show that unreported unlawful harassment in the workplace leads to missed worked time, lower employee productivity and lower employee morale.
