The Psychological And Economic Impact Of Workplace Sexual Harassment: A Legal Analysis Informed By Behavioural Studies
- IJLLR Journal
- Oct 31, 2025
- 2 min read
Swati Menon, Ph.D Research Scholar, Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Dr. Rishi Kulshresth, Associate Professor, Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
ABSTRACT
Sexual harassment in the workplace produces consequences that extends far beyond violation of legal rights. Sexual harassment in the workplace remains one of the most prominent forms of discrimination based on gender and it impacts upon the individual’s mental heath, financial stability and growth alongwith the future carrier opportunities as well. It deeply affects the economic productivity and organizational culture along with the mental and psychological well-being of the victim. This research paper aims at exploration of psychological and economic consequences of workplace sexual harassment and studying those consequences via legal & psychological lenses. This paper analyzes how current laws are addressing or failing to address the financial issues and the deeper level of trauma which is faced by the victims alongwith anchoring the legal framework of India’s Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
This research paper incorporates findings from economic and behavioural studies and references taken from real world scenarios and real time interview and it based on firsthand experience of a survivor who was so much traumatised by the sexual harassment at workplace that instead of proceeding formally, she chooses to resign from the job. The paper argues for a more empathetic response from legal institutions, workplaces and policymakers while dealing with sexual harassment of women at workplace cases as it is a very crucial labor and human rights issue, which is disproportionately affecting women across various workplace sectors. Its consequences are not merely legal, but deep down destroying and leaving lifelong scars on the victim’s mental wellbeing and it is economically exhausting. This research paper highlights critical gaps in the mechanism for redressal, prevention and further offers suggestions for law and policy reforms for a world free of sexual harassment of women at workplace.
Keywords: POSH Act, workplace sexual harassment, psychological lenses, real time interview, behavioral studies, legal rights, psychological traumas, gender based discrimination, resignation due to harassment, legal redressal mechanisms, economically exhausting, behavioral outcomes and mental health.
