Guides
Combatting Sexual Harassment in the Restaurant Industry
Sexual harassment remains a prevalent challenge in the restaurant industry, where harassment claims outnumber those in any other sector, prompting the need for employers to educate their staff on identifying harassing behavior. Equipping employees with the knowledge to prevent and report such incidents is crucial in addressing this issue effectively.
closer look
What's Inside
Alarming Statistics of Sexual Harassment in Restaurants
The largest percentage of EEOC sexual harassment claims comes from Accommodation & Food Services.
Uncovering the Root Causes of Sexual Harassment
Some reasons for sexual harassment in restaurants include the culture of tipping, the customer satisfaction model, and the reliance on physical appearance to earn tips.
Power Dynamics at Play
When food service employees find themselves in lower-paying or subminimum-wage positions, they can fear retaliation from managers or customers for reporting.
High Employee Turnover Rates
Restaurants face a turnover rate much higher than the average, leading to a workplace culture where harassers do not face any consequences.
Ripple Effects on Employees and Workplaces
Harassment frequently leads to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, and financial hardships.
Best Practices to Combat Harassment in the Restaurant Industry
Failure by employers to promptly and appropriately address known instances of harassment may lead to potential legal consequences; this list of best practices can help.
Moving Forward with Awareness & Training
EasyLlama’s harassment prevention training for restaurants includes engaging videos depicting real-life scenarios that food service employees are likely to encounter on the job.