Types Of Harassment In The Workplace

The "MeToo" movement has empowered many individuals to speak up about inappropriate behavior in the workplace. However, despite this progress, some people still hesitate to report harassment from colleagues or managers due to fear or skepticism.?

Workplace harassment occurs when someone is subjected to unwelcome, offensive, or discriminatory behavior based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. It’s not limited to just physical actions; it can also include verbal or non-verbal conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.

Workplace harassment is unfortunately prevalent but often remains unspoken in many work environments. When harassment occurs, it can create a toxic and harmful atmosphere. Many people may not clearly understand what constitutes harassment, which can result in numerous cases going unnoticed and unreported.?

So how do you analyze whether you or your employees have experienced workplace harassment? Let’s explore this article to understand various types of harassment in the workplace.

Different Types of Workplace Harassment

1. Sexual Harassment

This includes unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, or any behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment. It's not just limited to physical actions; it also encompasses suggestive emails, jokes, or comments.

2. Verbal Harassment

This involves offensive or derogatory comments made about a person’s race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics. It could be in the form of insults, jokes, or belittling remarks that target an individual's identity.

3. Physical Harassment

Physical harassment includes any form of physical contact that is unwelcome or harmful. This could range from unwanted touching to aggressive actions like pushing or hitting.

4. Psychological or Emotional Harassment

This type of harassment involves behavior that causes emotional distress, such as bullying, manipulation, or intimidation. It often manifests as persistent negative remarks, exclusion from team activities, or spreading rumors.

5. Discriminatory Harassment

This occurs when someone is treated unfairly based on characteristics such as race, gender, disability, or age. For example, it might involve not being considered for a promotion due to age or ethnicity.

How to Prevent Workplace Harassment?

1. Create Clear Policies

Start by developing a comprehensive harassment policy that clearly defines what constitutes harassment and outlines the procedures for reporting and addressing it. Make sure the policy is communicated to all employees and regularly reviewed.

2. Offer Training

Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees and managers about what harassment looks like and how to prevent it. Training should include information on recognizing different forms of harassment and understanding the proper channels for reporting.

3. Encourage Open Communication

Foster a work environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up about harassment without fear of retaliation. Encourage open dialogue and make sure employees know where to go if they experience or witness harassment.

4. Implement Reporting Mechanisms

Ensure there are clear, accessible ways for employees to report harassment. This could include anonymous reporting options or designated individuals who handle complaints confidentially.

5. Regularly Review and Update Policies

Continually assess and update your harassment policies and training programs to ensure they remain effective and relevant. Stay informed about new laws and best practices.

6. Support Affected Employees

Provide support to those affected by harassment, whether through counseling services, mediation, or adjustments to their work environment.

In Conclusion

By understanding the different types of harassment and actively working to prevent them, we create a safer and more respectful workplace for everyone. Remember, a positive work environment starts with respect and clear policies, so let's make sure we’re doing everything we can to uphold those values.

Explore the blog in detail on Calibr.AI to learn more about 3 Common Types Of Harassment In The Workplace.