“Recognize and Act on the Full Spectrum of Sexism, from Subtle Biases to Overt Harassment” – 16/20 #BeyondBias

CEC European Managers releases the 16th recommendation in the #BeyondBias campaign (visit the whole campaign here [+]): “Recognize and act on the full spectrum of sexism, from subtle biases to overt harassment.”

Download the 20 recommendations here [+]

In today’s workplaces, sexism is not always loud or visible. It can manifest in countless ways – from offhand remarks and dismissive attitudes to institutional practices and policies that disadvantage women.

Subtle forms of gender bias, such as speaking over women in meetings, doubting their competence without cause, or assigning them less strategic tasks, often go unnoticed and unaddressed. Yet these behaviours lay the groundwork for deeper structural inequalities.

“Sexism is not limited to obvious acts of discrimination or harassment. It thrives in everyday interactions, workplace cultures, and decision-making frameworks that don’t critically examine gender dynamics,” says Maxime Legrand, President of CEC European Managers. “It is our duty, as representatives of the leadership across Europe, to set the standard for respectful, bias-free management.”

What may seem like minor or even unconscious behaviours—interrupting women, questioning their authority, or judging them more harshly than male colleagues—can accumulate over time, creating a hostile or discouraging environment.

These microaggressions can affect women’s career trajectories, mental health, and sense of belonging at work.

At the same time, overt forms of harassment—whether verbal, physical, or psychological—remain alarmingly prevalent in many sectors and workplaces.

According to data from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 55% of women have experienced sexual harassment at least once since the age of 15.

These acts are often underreported due to fear of retaliation or the normalisation of inappropriate behaviour.

Managers Must Lead by Example

As the bridge between workers and employers, managers play a pivotal role in recognizing, preventing, and responding to all forms of sexism.

By fostering open dialogue, implementing clear anti-harassment policies, and undergoing regular training on unconscious bias, managers can create safer, fairer, and more inclusive work environments.

Recommendation 16 is a call to action: to recognize that sexism is not a binary issue, but a spectrum. It challenges leaders to move beyond performative gestures and take meaningful, systemic action.

Download full report published by the University of Southern Denmark [+]

The #BeyondBias campaign, launched by CEC European Managers, is designed to equip managers with 20 actionable steps to tackle gender bias and promote equality at all levels. With each recommendation, the campaign promotes a culture of integrity, responsibility, and transparency in management.