Sexual Harassment Is Pervasive in the Restaurant Industry. Here’s What Needs to Change

More sexual harassment claims in the U.S. are filed in the restaurant industry than in any other. Several factors that make restaurant employees particularly susceptible to sexual harassment: Men make up the majority of management and higher-paying roles; restaurant culture still praises the customer as “always right,” and restaurant employees often rely on their tips; and women in the industry are expected to use their looks as part of the service experience. So how can restaurants reduce sexual harassment? First, they need to develop and enforce anti-sexual harassment policies, as well as establish procedures for employees to file complaints and for managers to address complaints fairly. Second, managers should be trained to recognize different forms of sexual harassment, to understand the legal requirements of maintaining a workplace free from sexual harassment, and to learn the proper steps in addressing complaints. Employees should also be required to take bystander intervention training so that it’s clear what to do upon witnessing harassment. Third, restaurant policy should charge managers with protecting their employees from unwanted behavior from customers.