When you’re not quite sure how to deal with a coworker who behaves inappropriately, here are some things you can do to deal with workplace harassment.
Unfortunately, workplace harassment is a common problem. It is indiscriminate, and anyone can be a victim. While most people guilty of this inappropriate behavior are motivated maliciously, there are also some who are ignorant that their behavior constitutes workplace harassment.
Workplace harassment affects everyone: men, women, and the LGBT folks can be victims. When one becomes a victim, it is essential to know how to effectively deal withit to ensure that it never happens again.
Ideally, the workplace relationship should be professional and positive, in a way that people would be comfortable in working together.
When Your Workplace Doesn’t Feel Safe
Having to drag yourself to work each day can be tough enough. Let’s face it, no matter how much you profess to love your job, there are days when the mere thought of facing your tasks feels like a herculean effort. But what if, on top of the usual workday blues, there’s an added layer of dread? This dread comes not from the workload itself, but from the unnerving prospect of workplace harassment.
Workplace harassment, as defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, includes unwelcome conduct based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
This behavior becomes unlawful when enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or when the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Imagine, then, the additional weight of anxiety and fear that comes with facing harassment at work. This is not just about having a bad day or dealing with a difficult colleague. It’s more of a consistent pattern of behavior that makes you feel unsafe, undervalued, and threatened in your own workplace. [Read: Signs of anxiety: How to read the signs ASAP & handle them better]
The impact of workplace harassment is profound and far-reaching, affecting employees of all genders and sexual orientations. It’s a misconception that harassment only happens to certain groups of people. The truth is, it can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Harassment doesn’t discriminate – but it does deeply hurt. An environment like this can lead to a plethora of negative outcomes, not just for the individual experiencing it, but for the entire workplace culture.
Victims of workplace harassment often report feeling isolated, stressed, and powerless. Their work performance can suffer, they might start taking more sick days, or in the worst cases, they may feel forced to leave their job altogether.
In discussing workplace harassment, it’s important to remember that it’s not just a personal issue, but a broader societal one. It reflects deeply ingrained prejudices and power imbalances that we, as a society, are still grappling with. And while the journey to a harassment-free workplace is complex and challenging, acknowledging the problem is the first critical step.
Workplace harassment encompasses a variety of behaviors that, while they might seem harmless or playful to some, can be deeply distressing and unacceptable to others.
Remember that interactions you might consider casual or friendly with close friends could be entirely inappropriate in a professional setting, especially when they involve colleagues who come from different backgrounds and have different comfort levels.
Workplace harassment can be overt, such as unwanted physical contact, or it can manifest in more subtle ways, through verbal or nonverbal communication. Here are a couple of examples
1. Unwelcome Touching
The acceptable forms of workplace physical contact are limited to the following: Handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, and friendly shoulder taps. Anything beyond that could be questionable. Hugs, pokes, kisses, butt grabs, etc. are already considered intimate forms of contact that should be reserved for people close to you. [Read: What it means when a guy touches you: 32 body parts & subtle meanings]
Even if you’re that close with your coworker, reserve it for your personal get-togethers. Other people could misinterpret those gestures, plus it looks unprofessional.
This includes comments that sexually objectify or demean the other person. It could be an offhanded comment on a body part or implying that the person is endowed in a sexual act.
It could also take the form of intrusive questions about the person’s personal or sex life. [Read: Easy ways to deal with nosy coworkers]
3. Gossiping
Sometimes, comments are not directed towards the target person but are shared with other coworkers. In this way, the idea is spread in the workplace and greatly aggravates the harassment problem.
People may gossip about the other person’s sex life, or share inappropriate comments between themselves as mentioned in the previous item. [Read: Toxic friends: 22 types, 54 signs & ways to end friendships that hurt you]
4. Cyber Sexual Harassment
Picture this: you open your work email or a message on a professional network, and there’s this message that just makes you uncomfortable. It could be anything from weirdly personal comments, overly aggressive language, to outright offensive jokes or memes.
This isn’t just occasional inappropriate jokes but a pattern of digital communication that crosses the line. With so much of our work life happening online, this kind of stuff is popping up more than ever. It’s like some people get behind a screen and forget there’s a real person on the other side.
Need we say more?
6. Bullying
This is a form of harassment that can be particularly insidious because it’s not always as overt as other types. Bullying in the workplace often manifests as persistent, unjustified criticism, being purposefully excluded from projects or meetings, or having your ideas and contributions constantly belittled. [Read: How to deal with bullies: Grownup ways to confront mean people]
7. Retaliation
It is a particularly concerning form of workplace harassment because it strikes at someone’s ability to speak up against injustices. Retaliation occurs when an employee faces adverse treatment for reporting harassment or discrimination.
This might include being demoted, receiving unjustified negative performance reviews, being transferred to a less desirable role or location, or even being fired. It sends a chilling message to employees that it’s safer to stay silent about harassment, perpetuating a toxic workplace culture.
8. Sexual Favoritism
Often overlooked, this form of harassment involves a situation where it seems like someone is getting preferential treatment in return for sexual favors.
It creates an environment where it feels like advancement or favorable conditions are contingent on engaging in romantic or sexual relationships. It does not only affect the individuals directly involved but also generates a sense of unfairness and resentment among other team members.
9. Display of Offensive Materials
This includes displaying sexually suggestive or offensive posters, pictures, or objects in a shared workspace. It may seem like a small thing to some, but it contributes to a hostile and unwelcoming environment, especially for those who might find such content deeply disturbing or disrespectful.
10. Invasive Personal Questions
Asking inappropriate personal questions, especially regarding one’s sexual life, history, or orientation, falls under sexual harassment.
These questions are not just awkward; they are invasive and can make an individual feel vulnerable and uncomfortable in their workplace.
11. Unequal Treatment Based on Gender or Sexual Orientation
Yup, it still happens. In many workplaces, there’s this sneaky form of discrimination where men or women, or folks with different sexual orientations, get a different deal. You might see it in who gets stuck with the less desirable tasks or who’s mysteriously getting paid less for the same job. [Read: Gender stereotypes about males we need to let go of for good]
It could even be in the way someone’s treated just because of who they are or who they love. The unequal treatment is often not as in-your-face as other forms, but it’s there, subtly chipping away at people’s career opportunities and messing with their sense of well-being at work.
12. Racial/Ethnic Harassment
This type of harassment is unfortunately still prevalent in many workplaces. It includes making derogatory remarks, jokes, or slurs about a person’s race or ethnicity. But it’s not just about words; it also involves actions that can be discriminatory, like excluding someone from team activities, meetings, or decision-making processes based on their race or ethnicity.
Racial harassment creates an environment of discomfort and fear, where individuals feel they are being judged and marginalized not for their skills or contributions, but purely based on their racial or ethnic background.
It does not only affect the individuals targeted but can also harm the overall workplace atmosphere, leading to increased tensions and reduced collaboration among team members. It’s a form of harassment that’s deeply rooted in prejudices and requires a concerted effort to address, both in terms of individual behavior and broader organizational culture.
How Does Workplace Harassment Affect People in the Workplace?
Workplace harassment, with its bullying and coercive elements, does nothing to foster a healthy work environment. It’s a direct attack on an individual’s dignity and can severely disrupt the professional relationships within the office.
It doesn’t just hurt the person on the receiving end, it can ripple out, affecting their ability to connect with colleagues and be productive
1. Emotional Toll on the Target
When someone’s targeted by workplace harassment, it hits hard emotionally. They’re often left grappling with feelings of shame, anxiety, and stress, which can be even more intense if the harassment happens out in the open.
It’s like walking into work every day knowing you’re stepping into an environment where you’re not respected or valued. This emotional burden can take a significant toll on their mental health and overall well-being.
2. Hostility and Tension Among Team Members
Workplace harassment doesn’t just affect the individuals directly involved; it creates waves of hostility within the team. Especially if someone stands up against the harassment, things can get pretty tense. This sort of environment can be really tough for everyone involved.
3. Impact on Team Dynamics and Productivity
It doesn’t just hurt feelings; it hampers how the team functions. Communication takes a hit, people might start walking on eggshells around each other, and overall productivity can plummet.
4. Prejudgment and Social Ostracization
Both the victim and the perpetrator can find themselves being pre-judged and socially isolated. Colleagues might start avoiding them, forming their own opinions without all the facts.
This kind of social exclusion can be pretty damaging, leading to a loss of trust and making the workplace feel even more hostile. [Read: Why do I feel so alone? Truths that can heal & change your life]
5. Career Consequences and Reputation Damage
If someone gets fired over workplace harassment, it’s not just a job they lose. Their entire career can take a hit, with their reputation suffering from the allegations or findings.
It’s tough enough to lose a job, but when your professional reputation is on the line, it can force major life changes, like having to move to a new city just to start over.
6. Victim Blaming and Scrutiny
One of the ugliest sides of workplace harassment is when the victim gets blamed. Their behavior, dress, or personal life comes under the microscope as if that somehow justifies the harassment. It’s a brutal experience, where they’re made to feel like it’s their fault, adding insult to the already painful experience of being harassed. [Read: Gaslighting: What it is, how it works & 33 signs to spot it ASAP]
7. Strain on Personal Relationships
If a victim’s partner or family gets involved, things can escalate quickly, sometimes even leading to confrontations. The stress and tension of what’s happening at work can start to infect their home life, putting additional strain on their most important relationships.
8. Power Dynamics and Continued Harassment
When the harasser is someone in a position of power, it complicates things even more. Victims might feel like they have nowhere to turn, fearing that speaking up could lead to more harassment or even jeopardize their job.
It’s a tough spot to be in, feeling like you’re at the mercy of someone who has control over your professional fate.
9. Mental Health Deterioration
Victims of sexual harassment, for instance, often experience a decline in their mental health. This can manifest as depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder *PTSD*.
The constant stress and fear of being harassed can take a toll, leading to issues like insomnia or a pervasive sense of dread about going to work. This is not just about feeling uncomfortable, it’s a serious health concern that can deeply affect someone’s overall wellbeing.
10. Physical Health Impacts
The stress and anxiety caused by sexual harassment can also lead to physical health problems. Victims might experience headaches, high blood pressure, or gastrointestinal issues.
These symptoms are often the body’s response to the ongoing stress and tension of dealing with harassment. It’s a reminder that what hurts the mind can also hurt the body.
11. Reduced Job Satisfaction
Experiencing sexual harassment can drastically reduce a person’s job satisfaction. They may start to view their job negatively, no longer finding pleasure or fulfillment in their work.
It can stem from feeling unsafe or undervalued in their workplace, overshadowing any previous enjoyment or satisfaction they found in their profession.
12. Impact on Professional Growth
Victims of sexual harassment often find their professional growth stunted. They might avoid certain projects, meetings, or networking opportunities to steer clear of the harasser, limiting their chances for advancement.
This avoidance can unfairly hold them back in their careers, as they miss out on opportunities that their non-harassed colleagues take advantage of.
13. Increased Absenteeism
Who would be motivated to come into work when they know they’ll face harassment? That’s the reality for many dealing with workplace harassment. The mere thought of running into the harasser or reliving past incidents can be enough to make them call in sick.
It’s not only about how it affects the person being harassed – their absence can put extra pressure on their teammates, who are left to cover for them.
14. Erosion of Trust in the Organization
When sexual harassment occurs, it can erode employees’ trust in the organization. If they feel that their complaints aren’t taken seriously or that the harasser is not appropriately dealt with, it can create a sense of injustice and disillusionment.
This lack of trust can extend beyond the direct victim, affecting the morale of the entire workforce.
15. Isolation from Colleagues
Imagine being harassed at work and finding yourself without any allies. This is a common reality for victims of workplace harassment.
Their colleagues, unsure of how to help or worried about their own standing, might start to pull away. This sort of isolation can be crushing. When you’re dealing with something as tough as harassment, having supportive coworkers can be a lifeline.
Dealing With Workplace Harassment
Sadly, even if there are laws and house rules that prohibit workplace harassment, it still happens very frequently. To further aggravate the problem, most victims often refuse to report such incidents, due to fear of reprisal if the offender occupies a high-ranking position in the organization. Here are some of the things you can do to deal with that undesirable coworker.
1. Talk to the Person
Ask them to stop. This is sometimes the hardest choice for some people who are not confrontational. But oftentimes, talking directly to the person involved is the best way to snip the unwanted behavior in the bud.
After an incident, it is advisable to talk to the person directly to send a message that you do not condone such behavior. It could also help by setting a boundary or clearing a misunderstanding that you see as sexual harassment. Also, inform the other person that if they do not cease and desist, you will initiate further action.
2. Gather Evidence
Save and print incriminating emails and text messages, screen cap social media interactions, save photos, and keep voice recordings.
This could help you form a strong case against the offending person, or you may use this evidence to convince them to stop before you talk to the authorities.
3. Talk to Other Victims and Witnesses
Aside from physical evidence, you could talk to other coworkers who are victims themselves. You may also gather witnesses and their formal statements. This would add more weight to your complaint, in case you would be forced to take it further.
But remember that getting support from others is for making a sound case, not to bully or gossip about the offending person. [Read: Tips to be good friends with your coworkers]
4. Talk to a Supervisor
Talk to your immediate supervisor if the offending person is a team mate. Speak with the harasser’s supervisor if the offender belongs to another team.
You could do this if confronting the harasser is not an option, or if you already did, but they still continue to sexually harass you. It’s better if you make it formal by emailing the supervisor a written complaint or incident report, which describes the situation when you were harassed.
5. File a Complaint to HR
HR is the usual department that handles any issues regarding the workplace. Some even have a dedicated sexual harassment officer to handle these cases. If all the preliminary talks and warnings do not deter the offender from committing sexual harassment, it is for the best that you file an official case to HR.
For your case to carry weight, you may include all the evidence you gathered, plus the endorsement of your supervisor or manager.
Cases often do not require this solution, but if the offending party belongs to middle management *e.g. supervisors and area managers* and you find yourself a victim of workplace whitewashing or even blackmail, take it up to senior management.
The board members would not like hearing their junior managers misbehaving, let alone participate in a cover-up of their misdemeanors. You would likely get more sound responses from this option.
7. Endorse Your Case to EEOC
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC is an organization that handles workplace issues such as discrimination and sexual harassment. If all the options you tried still won’t work, send your case to an EEOC representative. This organization specializes in sexual harassment cases and has lots of experience in dealing with offenders.
8. File a Lawsuit
If everything else failed and you’ve exhausted every option you have to make the other person quit harassing you, you could always file a lawsuit.
This is the best option if you find yourself in a company-wide conspiracy to suppress your case and if the issue is affecting your life greatly.
Legally, you could sue the offending person and the company itself for not taking proper action for your plight. Lawsuits could generate damages compensation, get you reinstated to your position, and penalize the offending party.
[Read: Ways to calmly deal with difficult people]
Your Workplace Should Be a Safe Place
The workplace should be a place of professionalism and respect. Therefore, any form of workplace harassment should be avoided and addressed properly.
Unlike an annoying coworker, workplace harassment can’t be dealt with by ignoring it, as the offender may assume that offering no resistance implies consent.
