You go to a restaurant. Your server can’t be out of high school. You get to your hotel at 1 a.m., tired and ready to sleep. A perky front desk clerk greets you. The clerk can’t be more than 17.  

Who is protecting them? Who is keeping them safe from bosses, other employees and customers?  

Working toward a safer workplace 

Dr. Daniel Crafts, associate professor of hospitality leadership at Missouri State University, recently won an award for his research on sexual harassment of underage employees. 

“The topic of sexual harassment has received considerable attention,” Crafts said. “The unique circumstances of the youth worker in travel, tourism and hospitality companies has received less attention.” 

His research focused on what sexual harassment means. He also addresses employer liability and the prevalence of underage sexual harassment.  

Underage workers are often part-time or seasonal. Full-time workers are often prioritized, leaving underage workers to fend for themselves. It’s also easier to ignore their complaints.  

One of Crafts’ suggestions is to communicate and educate young workers early about sexual harassment. Employers should be consistent and transparent about their sexual harassment policies and procedures.  

Crafts received The International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) Best Paper/Poster award for studying a critical human resources issue.  

Learn more about Crafts’ research