Workplace harassment is more common than we believe, and it is not exclusive to the size or nature of a business. Workplace harassment also has a large range expanding from bullying to discrimination. Most companies have a harassment policy, so be sure to refer to the document if you are unsure if the perpetrator is harassing you. Companies should prioritize a safe working space for their employees, so do not be afraid to reach out to Human Resources.
What is workplace harassment?
Workplace harassment is generally verbal but can also be physical, digital, and sexual. All forms of workplace harassment are not tolerated in a workspace. Companies have a legal obligation to protect their employees, and harassment is a direct violation of an employee's well-being.
Harassment in the workplace does not need to have physical evidence to be considered valid. Any form of misconduct at work that threatens an employee's comfort, safety, or productivity can be considered workplace harassment. This extends to inappropriate jokes, offensive rhetoric, and mockery. If an action from a coworker makes you nervous or uncomfortable, it can be considered harassment. Companies take these claims seriously, so be sure to go forward with persecuting the harasser.
Forms of Workplace Harassment
Sexual Harassment
Like all forms of workplace harassment, sexual harassment is a serious offense and highly illegal. Nearly half of employed women have experienced some form of sexual harassment from a coworker. This form of workplace harassment includes unwanted advances, touch, and inappropriate jokes. It can also expand to pornographic and sexual suggestions/pictures. It is difficult to define sexual harassment since the harasser tends to slip it in between jokes and shield the actions with their tone. Like many types of workplace harassment, there is a gray area that most harassers like to aim for. This vagueness will often make victims of sexual harassment feel guilty or shameful about the situation, and this causes many victims to keep the experience to themselves. It can often be scary for victims who believe there may be backlash and retaliation if an incident is reported. But if someone is making appropriate sexual advances at you, you should speak up.
Physical harassment
Physical harassment can be loosely defined as unwanted touching on contact between the employee and the perpetrator. The severity of the physical harassment does not change that unwanted touches are a form of physical harassment. If the victim is not physically harmed, physical harassment is often swept under the rug. As stated earlier, if you encounter any form of harassment, employees should reach out for help from HR or the police (if the interaction becomes violent).
Digital Harassment
This form of harassment majorly takes place online and is a new type of workplace harassment. If the perpetrator defames, harasses, or threatens you online, this is a form of digital harassment. It can also extend to adopting your identity online or creating a place for others to mock you. Social media is growing in presence, as is digital harassment. People find it easier to be crueler behind the screen, so the insults and measures can quickly become drastic. Everything you post online is saved forever, so digital harassment is the easiest to pursue among all forms of workplace harassment. Interactions are often documented, and you can personally collect evidence to strengthen your case.
Verbal Harassment
Verbal harassment is the most common form of workplace harassment. If allowed to fester, verbal harassment can have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being. Verbal harassment extends to offensive remarks and unwarranted criticism. It also included inappropriate jokes, cursing, and behavior unbecoming of a cordial coworker. If their words have a negative psychological impact on you, it can be considered verbal harassment.
How to Report Harassment
Generally, your first line of defense should be the human resource department. HR was created to help employees in emotional, physical, and dangerous situations. It can be difficult to start a case without physical evidence, but it would be wise to still confide in HR. They will help you file a complaint, and it is not uncommon for harassment cases to open without physical evidence.
It is important to speak up for yourself and maybe someone else. Workplace harassment is notoriously underreported, so your action may save others like you. HR should attempt to resolve the issue with their means.
If you feel that your company and HR have failed to deal with your case, getting an employment attorney could be a good idea. Employment attorneys specialize in persecuting workplace misconduct. They are experts in dealing with workplace harassment, and your company can also be legally liable for your grief.
