Thrive Law, head up by Jodie Hill, is a Leeds-based law firm that incorporates HR and workplace law together to help individuals navigate and understand their rights at work. The experts at Thrive have come together to help those in need in our society, with knowledge stretching from grievances to settlement agreements to whistleblowing. The firm have taken this philanthropic endeavour one step further by establishing Thrive Women. A task force that has been set up to deal with one of the biggest problems in today’s working world, sexism and inequality.
Work from Home
The experienced lawyers understand that sexual harassment has been amplified through the work from home shift. Studies have shown that inappropriate comments and requests have been facilitated with managers and co-workers feeling immune to the law outside of a physical office. Staggeringly, as many as 35% of female workers have experienced at least one sexist workplace demand since lockdown started with 41% of the sexist comments being requests for them to change the way they dress or look in order to ‘help to win new business’ as it was important to look nicer for the team.
This frightening rise in sexual harassment has only being made worse by the stretch in communication and the disconnect brought on by working from home. Evidenced by figures stating 60% of female workers haven’t reported inappropriate requests to HR, with 25% upping their beauty regime in order to satisfy the sexist behaviour, fearing a negative impact on their career.
It All Counts as Sexist Behaviour
These comments are prime examples of sexism behaviour, straight out of the harassment playbook. Thrive Law MD, Jodie Hill argues that defenders of the comments should ask themselves if the men would be subjected to the same derogatory comments, if they would be expected to put on more make-up or dress provocatively in order to interest potential clients. There is no ambiguity in legislation, the equality act clearly states that any behaviour that makes women feel offended, should that be through video calls or messaging, or in the office, constitutes harassment.
Should any women feel they receive messages of this nature, they shouldn’t hesitate to put in a formal complaint, in writing to address the issue internally. Failing this, consider getting in touch with the Thrive Law team to look at your legal options.
Remember that three months is the golden window for cases like this, so act swiftly to continue the fight for your equality. You can get in touch at enquiries@thrivelaw.co.uk where they are happy to provide FREE advice and support.
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