Combating Sexual Harassment and Offensive Speech in Hybrid Work Environments: A Risk Management Perspective in Corporate Firms in Bayelsa State

Ebimie Melbourne Eleke

doi:10.56201/jhsp.vol.12.no4.2026.pg26.37

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Combating Sexual Harassment and Offensive Speech in Hybrid Work Environments: A Risk Management Perspective in Corporate Firms in Bayelsa State

Ebimie Melbourne Eleke

Abstract

The proliferation of hybrid work arrangements in Nigerian corporate organisations has introduced novel and underexplored vectors for sexual harassment and offensive speech, creating risk management challenges that existing workplace policy frameworks designed primarily for conventional office environments are poorly equipped to address. This study examines the impact of risk management strategies on the mitigation of sexual harassment and offensive speech in hybrid work environments in corporate firms in Bayelsa State. Three specific objectives guided the study: to assess the effect of policy enforcement mechanisms on the incidence of sexual harassment; to examine the effect of digital communication governance on offensive speech in hybrid settings; and to evaluate the effect of employee awareness training on employees' willingness to report harassment. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 248 employees and HR managers across 12 corporate firms in Bayelsa State through a structured questionnaire. Simple regression analysis was employed as the inferential statistical technique. Findings reveal that policy enforcement mechanisms significantly reduce sexual harassment incidence (β = −0.61, t = −9.42, p < 0.05); digital communication governance significantly reduces offensive speech in hybrid settings (β = −0.54, t = −8.17, p < 0.05); and employee awareness training significantly increases willingness to report harassment (β = 0.58, t = 8.73, p < 0.05). The study concludes that structured risk management interventions encompassing policy enforcement, digital governance, and awareness training are effective and necessary tools for creating psychologically safe hybrid work environments. Recommendations are offered for HR managers, corporate leadership, and policymakers in Bayelsa State's formal employment sector.

Keywords

sexual harassmentoffensive speechhybrid workrisk managementcorporate firmsBayelsa Statedigital governanceworkplace safety

References

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Combating Sexual Harassment and Offensive Speech in Hybrid Work Environments: A Risk Management Perspective in Corporate Firms in Bayelsa State

Abstract

Keywords

References

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