Workplace harassment is not merely a workplace annoyance; it’s a serious issue with profound consequences for both individuals and organizations. Its impact extends far beyond the immediate victim. It erodes employee morale, damages the company’s reputation, and ultimately hinders productivity and innovation. This article will look deeper at the multifaceted nature of workplace harassment, exploring its various forms, the subtle signs to watch for, and the devastating impact it can have.
What is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment is any unwelcome and inappropriate behavior towards an individual or group that creates an offensive, hostile, or intimidating work environment. This behavior may be verbal, physical, psychological, or digital, often interfering with a person’s ability to perform their job effectively. It can manifest in many forms, examples including:
- Verbal abuse, such as insults, derogatory remarks, or persistent criticism
- Physical harassment, including unwanted touching or aggressive behavior
- Psychological manipulation like gaslighting or deliberate exclusion from workplace activities
- Cyber harassment through emails, social media, or other digital platforms
It’s important to keep in mind that there’s a difference between genuine harassment and occasional workplace differences or disputes. Not all conflicts or disagreements qualify. Harassment is characterized by its repeated, persistent, and unwelcome nature, with the intent to intimidate, degrade, or create a hostile environment. It doesn’t have to be physical to be taken seriously; non-physical behaviors, such as verbal abuse or digital stalking, can be just as harmful.
The Different Types of Workplace Harassment
Having looked a little at the different forms workplace harassment can manifest itself in, let’s discuss its different types in detail:
1. Sexual Harassment
This includes a wide range of behaviors, from unwelcome sexual advances and requests for sexual favors to quid pro quo situations where professional benefits are tied to sexual favors. Examples include:
- Inappropriate jokes
- Displaying sexually suggestive images
- Suggestive comments
- Unwanted touching
- Repeated invitations despite refusal
- Commenting on someone’s appearance inappropriately
- Engaging in lewd gestures
2. Stalking and Cyber Harassment
Stalking and cyberharassment are serious offenses that involve the repeated and unwanted pursuit, harassment, or intimidation of another person. Stalking in the digital age is easier than ever and typically involves physical actions such as following the victim, spying on them, showing up at their home or workplace, and making unwanted contact through phone calls or letters.
Cyberharassment, on the other hand, utilizes digital technologies to harass or stalk someone. Examples are sending threatening or abusive messages online, spreading false rumors or embarrassing information about the victim on social media, impersonating the victim online, and tracking their online activity.
If you are being stalked or cyber harassed, it’s important to document the incidents and report them to the appropriate authorities.
3. Bullying and Intimidation
Workplace bullying and intimidation often target individuals based on perceived vulnerability, differences, or personality traits. Bullies may focus on those they perceive as weak, such as new employees, individuals with less experience or authority, or those who are quiet or introverted.
Differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religion can also make individuals targets, especially if they stand out from the majority in the workplace. Additionally, those with assertive personalities, strong opinions, or a willingness to challenge the status quo may face bullying from individuals who feel threatened by their confidence or viewpoints. Here are some more specific examples of workplace bullying and intimidation:
- Public humiliation involves embarrassing or humiliating an individual in front of colleagues, such as yelling at them, making fun of them, or criticizing their work in a demeaning way
- Social Isolation of an individual, for example, excluding them from social activities, work-related discussions, or important information, makes them feel isolated and left out.
- Undermining someone by sabotaging their work, taking credit for their ideas, or spreading rumors about them.
- Making threats of violence or job loss, or using intimidation tactics to control or manipulate an individual.
4. Discrimination
Discriminatory harassment occurs when someone is subjected to unwelcome behavior or conduct based on their membership in a protected class. The law often defines these protected classes. It includes:
- Race: Includes racial slurs, jokes, or stereotypes, for example, telling a Black employee that they should “stick to basketball” or making fun of a colleague’s accent.
- Color: Discriminating based on an individual’s skin tone, such as making derogatory comments about someone’s skin color.
- Religion: Offensive comments about someone’s religious beliefs, making fun of their religious practices, or excluding them from social events because of their religion.
- Sex: Discrimination based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- National origin: Making fun of someone’s accent, making derogatory comments about their country of origin, or assuming they are not competent because of their national origin.
- Age: Making age-related jokes, assuming older employees are less capable, or excluding younger employees from important decision-making processes.
- Disability: Ridiculing someone’s disability, excluding them from activities, or making assumptions about their abilities based on their disability.
Understanding Signs and Impact
Harassment often manifests in both overt and subtle ways, and understanding the signs of workplace harassment is essential for addressing issues early and preventing long-term harm. Some common signs include behavioral changes in victims like increased absenteeism or frequent tardiness, avoidance of specific individuals, tasks, or settings, and noticeable changes in mood, such as irritability, withdrawal, or low energy.
Professional indicators can also help recognize when someone is being harassed. They have decreased productivity or might suffer from a sudden drop in work performance. Other signs include reluctance to participate in group activities or meetings and expressing dissatisfaction or fear regarding their work environment.
The effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being can be devastating. Over time, every aspect of their personal and professional life can be affected. Victims often feel trapped, powerless, or humiliated, which can lead to chronic anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, or clinical depression.
Prolonged harassment may cause severe emotional distress, flashbacks, or heightened sensitivity to stressors and also lead to individuals questioning their worth, abilities, and competence. Chronic stress from harassment can result in high blood pressure, fatigue, and other stress-induced conditions.
The professional impact is also not to be taken lightly. Victims may miss promotions or professional growth opportunities due to reduced confidence or being overlooked by peers and management. Feeling unsafe or unsupported may push individuals to quit their jobs, leading to financial instability or career disruptions. Workplace gossip or false accusations can also harm an individual’s professional standing.
Addressing Workplace Harassment
If you have noticed someone is harassing a person at your workplace or are going through it yourself, keep in mind the following:
Steps for Employees
- Reporting mechanisms: Understand the company’s process for reporting harassment.
- Documentation: Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses.
- Seeking support: Leverage employee assistance programs (EAPs) or external resources.
Steps for Employers
- Policies: Develop and enforce anti-harassment policies.
- Training: Provide regular training to employees and leaders on recognizing and addressing harassment.
- Supportive environment: Foster open communication and ensure employees feel safe reporting issues.
Endnote
Workplace harassment is a serious and pervasive issue with far-reaching consequences for both individuals and organizations. It creates a toxic environment. that undermines employee morale, damages the company’s reputation, and hinders productivity. By understanding the different forms of harassment, recognizing the subtle signs, and taking proactive steps to address it, we can create a safer and more inclusive workplace for everyone.
