Overview

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual remarks, advances, or behavior that creates a hostile environment in dealings with clients, vendors, or contractors. It can manifest as inappropriate comments about appearance, sexual jokes, or pressure for personal encounters.

Common scenarios include during meetings, travel, negotiations, or on digital channels where boundaries are crossed.

Impact includes discomfort, fear, distraction, and potential safety concerns. It may also strain business relationships and delegitimizes professional interactions.

Response and reporting: document incidents with dates and exact language, do not engage in inappropriate dialogue, and escalate to your supervisor, HR, or procurement per policy. In urgent cases, involve security or legal counsel as appropriate.

Prevention and support: rely on codes of conduct, clear contract clauses, and ongoing training to deter and address behavior.

• Preserve evidence such as emails or messages.
• Seek support early from trusted colleagues or managers.
• Follow formal reporting procedures.