A recent nationwide study reveals a shocking reality: over 70% of female employees in the restaurant industry have been subjected to sexual harassment while on the job. This alarming statistic underscores the grim conditions faced by restaurant workers, who already deal with low pay, challenging work environments, and difficult customers.
Research conducted by universities such as the University of Notre Dame, Penn State, and Emlyon Business School has highlighted the frequency of harassment among women in the restaurant sector. The findings show that half of these women experience harassment weekly, while 71% have encountered it at least once during their employment. The study, building on previous research from Social Science Research Solutions (SRSS), found that harassment often originates from customers, but supervisors and managers are also frequently perpetrators.
The researchers identified two prevalent practices within the U.S. restaurant industry—“service with a smile” and a dependence on tips—as contributing factors to a culture that fosters harassment. According to Timothy Kundro, a professor at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, these practices create a power imbalance that can lead to inappropriate behavior from customers. “When servers rely on tips and are expected to maintain a cheerful demeanor, it can empower customers to harass them,” Kundro stated.
In their studies, researchers surveyed 92 full-time service employees about their income sources and the pressure to engage positively with customers. In another experiment involving 229 men, their behavior was assessed in scenarios where tipping was encouraged. The results showed that men felt emboldened to mistreat female servers, particularly in tipping situations.
Addressing this issue requires significant changes, the researchers argue. A key recommendation is to provide a living wage for servers, removing their reliance on tips. “Fair compensation can alleviate the power dynamics that lead to harassment,” Kundro explained. Eliminating the expectation for servers to display constant positivity can also help mitigate the problem.
In summary, the ongoing harassment faced by female restaurant workers is a deeply ingrained issue that demands urgent attention. The minimum standard should be a workplace free from harassment and abuse, allowing all employees to perform their jobs with dignity.
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Summary:
A recent study reveals that over 70% of female restaurant workers have experienced sexual harassment. The research highlights the role of tipping and the expectation of friendliness in creating a culture of harassment. Solutions include paying living wages and reducing positivity requirements.
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