Over Half of Women in Advertising endure Sexual Harassment
New York City – A survey conducted by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) discovered that roughly half of 375 who participated and responded in the survey experienced workplace sexual harassment on one occasion. The survey consisted of a variety of employment levels.
Thirty-three percent were senior management, forty-three percent were middle management, twelve percent were in non-managerial positions, and two percent were interns, according to the findings. Although individuals in advertising leadership positions may be in denial of the workplace misconduct, the survey’s results have revealed the truth.
The survey was initially a rising research project with an expected release date in the fall to provide a better understanding of what women in advertising are trying to tolerate. An intense debate between Kevin Roberts, Saatchi & Saatchi global chairman and Gustavo Martinez, former CEO and chairman at JWT convinced the 4A’s to release their results sooner than expected.
According to the findings, more than 50% of women in advertising responses indicated they suffered “the making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks in workplace, professional or social settings.” A question in the survey inquired about workplace discrimination. Fifty-four percent of the respondents expressed being vulnerable at work due to their gender.
In addition to those findings regarding gender-based discrimination, 33% of the respondents experienced exclusion from important assignments, and four out of ten women were also excluded from making work-related decisions because of their gender. Prior to this survey, no one analyzed the hardships women experience in the advertising industry.
Another question asked if women were unknowingly experiencing discrimination or sexual harassment at work in the past. The women’s responses revealed that more than 40% agreed to the possibility of having an experience and nearly 20% definitely agreed. According to the researcher, these results were the highest in the entire survey. More results regarding sexual harassment and discrimination in the advertising industry will be released in September 2016.
Sexual Harassment in Advertising Speak Volumes
Advertising is a major industry in the employment field. It serves a purpose in nearly every other employment field. Considering the high level of popularity, and social media exposure present day, the last place individuals would expect workplace misconduct to occur is in advertising. Advertising includes branding and shining light on the latest projects around the world. Engaging in workplace misconduct brings negative publicity and scrutiny regarding sexual harassment and discrimination policies and how effective they are in the workplace.
If these findings do not encourage executives and managers to analyze sexual harassment within their establishments, employment lawyers will begin to receive an immense amount of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination cases. There is a huge problem with sexual harassment in advertising that needs to be fixed immediately, on behalf of all current and former employees.
Seek a Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you feel you have been the victim of workplace discrimination or sexual harassment in New York City, Miami, New Jersey or Philadelphia or if your employment rights have been violated, call us at 800-807-2209 for a free consultation. Our attorneys are available to review your claims and prepare a solid case to recover the damages and justice you deserved.
