As well as causing economic hardship, sexual harassment creates severe workrelated stress. It becomes difficult for the employee to concentrate on her work or to complete work tasks efficiently. Often, she suffers increasing mental anguish, selfdoubt and depression as her selfesteem as a productive worker is attacked. The psychological and physical health toll is high. An employee who is harassed may stay away from work to avoid the stress, and chronic stress related illnesses frequently result from workplace sexual harassment.
Many victims reluctantly quit their jobs when the employer' takes no effective action.
The immediate costs to employers, such as, decreased efficiency, loss of productivity, high absenteeism, and disruptions from frequent and longerterm sick leaves all harm the employer. The organization must spend unneccessary money for avoidable problems. Profits are weakened by higher costs for employee benefits, by high workforce turnover, by the loss of trained and effective workers, and by the resulting increase in human resource costs. Obtaining legal counsel for the resolution of formal complaints or human rights commission investigations can add even greater costs as can any legal orders brought against the employer for failure to take appropriate actions. Doing nothing can be the most expensive option for everyone concerned.