Employees denounce sexist behaviour at Nike

In Nike’s ongoing gender discrimination and sexual harassment lawsuit, employees fear a culture of sexism, harassment and fear of retaliation.

The records have detailed how Nike employees have revealed that sexist behaviours and attitudes remain very prominent within the company and that there is a high propensity for corporate harassment and fear of retaliation. The documents date back to 2018 and highlight how female employees are concerned because they see little likelihood of Nike management making adjustments or addressing their concerns.

In a survey obtained by Business Insider, one employee wrote that a co-worker told her to “dress sexier”, while another employee identified certain executives as “womanisers who use their influence and power to take advantage of female workers”. Another employee witnessed a male executive receiving oral sex from a lower-ranking female employee in the company gym, while a male manager said: “No one gives a shit about female empowerment”.

Female employees have described Nike as a “boys’ club”. One respondent also alleged: “Women in this company have felt very little power to change a culture and environment that has been and continues to be disrespectful to women”. This is not the first time Nike has been sued or received complaints about issues related to racial discrimination, sexual harassment or outright fear. The company always solves it by apologising and increasing the salaries and positions of the affected community.

The new court documents alleging a culture of fear at the company come after CNBC recently reported that Nike’s stock rose after earnings and revenue beat expectations. Specifically, Nike Direct sales were up 16% in the second quarter, while digital sales were up 25%. What do you think Nike will do this time? What do you think should be the most effective solution that will address all kinds of disrespectful behaviour?