What belief can contribute to the continuation of harassment in the workplace?

Believing that "locker room talk" is acceptable fosters an environment where inappropriate and harassing language becomes normalized. This mindset can lead individuals to disregard the discomfort it may cause others, allowing harassment to persist unchecked. Such casual acceptance of derogatory comments and jokes not only undermines mutual respect but also diminishes the seriousness of misconduct, contributing to a toxic workplace culture. When employees think that such behavior is harmless or merely joking, it silences victims and dissuades them from speaking up, perpetuating a cycle of harassment. In contrast, a workplace that promotes a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and embraces respectful communication actively combats these harmful beliefs.