Today marks the launch of the #timeTo code, which aims to end sexual harassment in the advertising and marketing industry.
Initiated by the Advertising Association, NABS and WCL, and backed by ISBA and the IPA, the Code was published in conjunction with the timeTo report on sexual harassment, which surveyed over 3,500 industry insiders and established a number of clear findings around sexual harassment in the advertising industry.
Some of the key findings from the report include:
- 26% of those surveyed have been sexually harassed while working in the advertising and marketing industry, 34% of female respondents and 9% of male respondents
- 72% of those who have been sexually harassed have been harassed more than once
- 30% of respondents have witnessed sexual harassment happening to others so, in total, 41% have either experienced it and/or witnessed it (some people have both experienced it and witnessed it)
- Sexual harassment is far from being a thing of a past – some 20% of female respondents aged 18-24 have already been sexually harassed in the few years they’ve spent working in the industry. Some 5% of men in the same age group have also experienced sexual harassment
- Of those respondents who have been sexually harassed, 69% have experienced it within the last five years, while 28% have experienced it within the last 12 months
- The results reveal a significant lack of clarity in both the definition of sexual harassment and in reporting systems
- Many respondents also expressed distrust in reporting systems, with fears of career damage, and consequently, 83% of those harassed said they did not officially report their experiences
- Looking forwards, 97% of people surveyed agreed that ‘sexual harassment should not be tolerated in our industry’ showing the almost universal desire for action.
View the full Report here >
In response to the report, a cross-industry advisory group developed the timeTo Code to accelerate change and provides guidance for employers and employees on how to address and ultimately eradicate sexual harassment in the workplace. A copy of the timeTo Code is available for anyone in the industry to download at timeTo.org.uk
Phil Smith, Director General, ISBA, said: "The findings of the #timeTo research show how important it is for the whole industry to get involved and push for positive change to address sexual harassment. There has never been a more important time to act and so ISBA are fully supportive of the #timeTo Code of Conduct. We encourage our members to read, share and commit to the Code."
Further information about the initiative can be found on the timeTo website.