New study reveals the extent and impact of sexism in the workplace

The majority of working people in Germany have experienced sexism in the workplace at some point in their careers: 63 percent report such experiences. Women (70%) and genderqueer individuals (81%) are particularly affected, while it is perpetrated most frequently by men (82%). This is one of the key findings of the first representative survey on workplace sexism in Germany, published today by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and EAF Berlin as part of the "Together Against Sexism" alliance project.

Experiences of sexism in the workplace have far-reaching consequences: 41% of those affected suffer from emotional impacts, 31% from psychological impacts, and 24% each from physical and social impacts. 18% of those affected state that these experiences have impacted their careers. Consequences include resignation, changing jobs or departments, or missed promotions. Furthermore, 13% report financial disadvantages.

The study also clearly shows for the first time that formal complaint channels are rarely used by those affected: Only 7% of respondents turn to their supervisor, and only 2% to internal contact points such as anti-discrimination offices, works councils, or equal opportunity officers. Many of those affected therefore cope with the consequences alone or within their private circles.

Laura Giardina, co-author of the study: "The study results clearly show: Sexism in the workplace is not an isolated phenomenon, but a structural problem. For many, it is a distressing part of their everyday work life—and is often dealt with alone."

Further key findings of the study:

• The prevalence of different forms of sexism varies between women and men: Women are generally more frequently affected by sexism in the workplace (70% compared to 52% for men). Women are also significantly more likely to be affected by sexual harassment or assault in the workplace (40% compared to 18% for men). Men, on the other hand, experience derogatory comments and jokes most frequently among the forms of sexism surveyed, and almost as often as women (39% compared to 45% for women).  

• Sexism affects vulnerable groups more strongly: Groups significantly more likely to be affected by workplace sexism than the average (63%) include queer people (74%), people with a migration background (74%), individuals with caregiving responsibilities (71%), and people with disabilities (70%). Trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals are particularly likely to be affected by workplace sexism (81%).  

• Sexism in the workplace is primarily perpetrated by men: The vast majority of perpetrators are men (82% compared to 53% for women). Whether sexism is perpetrated by men or women varies significantly depending on the relationship between the individuals (supervisors, colleagues, etc.) or the form of sexism involved. Sexual harassment or assault, in particular, is predominantly perpetrated by men—in cases where supervisors are the perpetrators, this figure is 89%. When directed at women, 92% of sexual harassment or assault is perpetrated by men. Even when directed at men, men are the perpetrators in a significantly higher 67% of cases.  

• Sexism also occurs in informal and digital spaces and extends into the private sphere: Of the respondents who had experienced sexism in the workplace themselves in the last twelve months, 79% stated that this had happened at least once at their regular workplace during working hours. 47% stated that at least one situation occurred outside the regular workplace—such as at company parties, in break rooms, or during private meetings with colleagues. 30% also experienced sexism in a work context within digital spaces.  

• The term sexism is polarizing: In addition to the prevalence of sexism, the study also examined how respondents define sexism. The data shows that, on one hand, 69% of respondents agree that sexism is an entrenched system that distributes power unequally between genders and reinforces social inequality. On the other hand, a quarter of respondents view sexism as an ideology intended to disadvantage men.

Stefanie Lohaus, Project Lead of the "Together Against Sexism" alliance: "The results highlight the urgent need for action by employers. This is exactly where the 'Together Against Sexism' alliance comes in: it supports organizations in developing and implementing effective measures. The goal is a working world where taking a stand against sexism is the norm."

Recommendations for action

Based on the study's findings, recommendations for action have been formulated to more closely integrate state responsibility, legal frameworks, and workplace practices. For businesses, it is essential to implement measures that effectively combat workplace sexism. This includes raising employee awareness and ensuring clear accountability from managers who can recognize sexism and act appropriately. Codes of conduct, clear guidelines, and transparent counseling and complaint structures provide further support. Men should be specifically engaged to raise their awareness and empower them as allies. On a societal level, it is important to establish long-term structures that ensure prevention, awareness, and support. To prevent discriminatory patterns from taking root, educational institutions should encourage reflection on gender roles, power dynamics, and social norms. It is also recommended to examine the impact of sexism on businesses and society, for example, by calculating the costs caused by sexism or investigating the role of sexism in the context of talent acquisition.

About the "Sexism in the Workplace" study

The "Sexism in the Workplace" study provides the first representative, cross-industry look at the extent, manifestations, and consequences of sexism in German workplaces. It is based on a mixed-methods approach: in addition to a quantitative, representative survey of employees, qualitative diary entries were kept over a three-month period. The study considered not only women and men, but also trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals. Download

About the "Together Against Sexism" alliance

Sexism is widespread in our society. It demeans people based on their gender and is something we encounter daily in many areas of life. The "Together Against Sexism" alliance—funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) and implemented by EAF Berlin in partnership with the ministry—is determined to take a stand against it. The goal is to recognize sexism and sexual harassment, address them, and anchor effective measures against them. The alliance now brings together over 900 German companies and organizations from all sectors. By signing the "Joint Declaration Against Sexism and Sexual Harassment," they commit themselves to establishing effective measures against sexism within their organizations. www.gemeinsam-gegen-sexismus.de.

About the authors of the study

The study was conducted by the authors Laura Giardina, Anna Sive, Lea Rahman, Rana Göroğlu and Stefanie Lohaus from EAF Berlin.

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