It’s Time to Stamp Out Sexual Harassment in Restaurants

It’s an uncomfortable truth that more sexual harassment claims are filed in the restaurant industry than any other. Overall, the figures make for disturbing reading. Reports suggest that up to 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men experience some form of sexual harassment from managers, coworkers, vendors and customers in restaurants. McDonalds made the headlines recently as employees in 10 cities went on strike to draw attention to the issue.So what makes the issue so pervasive in the restaurant world and what should you do to protect your employees? 

First, let’s consider the factors that may be fueling this culture. 

Power Imbalance It’s true that men make up the majority of power holding positions in the restaurant industry. It’s also true that 52 percent of restaurant employees are women, two-thirds of which are tipped workers in lower paying quick-serve or family-style eateries. Certainly, the research supports the idea that women experience more sexual harassment…