#timeTo release sexual harassment report and code of conduct
#timeTo, adland’s answer to #MeToo and #TimesUp, has today released the results of an industry-wide study as well as a ‘Code of Conduct’, as it continues to campaign for the eradication of sexual harassment in the workplace for all sexualities and genders.
The campaign was launched March this year by the Advertising Association, NABS and WACL, and is backed by both the IPA and ISBA.
Conducted by the Advertising Association’s in-house research body Credos, the report unveils findings collected from a survey of 3,580 men and women working in the advertising and marketing communications industry – the majority of whom are employed in creative and media agencies.
The report is both illuminating and concerning, with more than 1 in 4 respondents stating that they have been sexually harassed whilst working in the industry.
Of those who have been sexually harassed, 72% have been accosted more than once and 25% have been harassed 6 times or more.
As a further 30% say they have witnessed sexual harassment, the number of respondents who have either experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or assault totals 41%.
According to timeTo, sexual harassment remains very much a present day problem. 69% of those who have been sexually harassed have experienced it within the last 5 years; 28% in the last 12 months.
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Possibly most concerning of all is the low percentage of respondents who reported their experience. Just 17% of those who say they have experienced sexual harassment also say they reported it – 18% of female victims and 8% of male victims.
These figures show a lack of faith in the reporting process, as well as a lack of clarity about what exactly constitutes unacceptable behaviour, the report suggests.
Kerry Glazer, president of NABS, outgoing president of WACL and CEO of the AAR, said: “The survey findings reveal that all sectors of the marketing communications industry are affected: sexual harassment occurs across all genders, sexualities, roles and company types.
“The negative impact of this on achievement, productivity, happiness, safety, and people’s basic right to equality and respect in the workplace, cannot be underestimated.”
To provide guidance for employers and employees on how to address and eradicate sexual harassment in the workplace, timeTo have released a ‘Code of Conduct’ aimed at accelerating positive behaviour change in the industry.
The code provides advice for management and HR, victims of sexual harassment, witnesses, people who fear they have behaved inappropriately and for people who have been wrongfully accused.
Already companies such as AAR, BBH London, Havas London, ITV and Karmarama have committed to making the code an integral part of their company culture, alongside industry bodies such as Thinkbox.
“By adopting the timeTo Code and increasing awareness that NABS is here for you if you need help, our industry can take huge and positive steps forward in making things better: safe, respectful and equal for all,” Glazer said.
Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association, added that “we should all strive for rapid and permanent change to make our industry a place where everyone can thrive without fear of sexual harassment.”
Meanwhile, one anonymous female working within the media industry told Mediatel that it’s no wonder people aren’t coming forward to report their experiences when, at present, it seems that victims lose their careers whilst the perpetrators either keep their positions or move on to other “glittering” roles.
“I personally know of three women who have been harassed by the same man, none of whom will report the experience as they think that they will encounter a greater backlash than the perpetrator,” she said.
“His behaviour is an open secret that several people in the industry know about. They claim to be disgusted, yet I still see them happily socialise with this man.
“Until we collectively refuse to tolerate this kind of behaviour, nothing will change.”
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, contact NABS who can offer confidential advice and support on 0800 707 6607 or [email protected]