How To Recognize the Signs of Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can significantly impact employees' well-being and productivity. Recognizing the signs of harassment can sometimes be difficult, but doing so can help create a safe and respectful work environment.
This blog will explore the definition of workplace harassment, types of harassment, common signs to watch for, and steps to take if you witness harassment.
What Is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment is any unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. This behavior can be verbal, physical, or psychological and may involve discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Harassment undermines an individual's dignity and can severely impact their mental and physical health.
Types of Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment manifests in several ways, each with distinct characteristics.
Here are the different types of workplace harassment one may experience or witness:
- Verbal Harassment at Work: Includes derogatory comments, jokes, or insults directed at an individual, often targeting their identity or personal attributes.
- Physical Harassment: Involves unwelcome physical contact or gestures, ranging from touching to physical intimidation.
- Psychological Harassment: Includes actions that cause emotional distress, such as bullying, manipulation, or intimidation.
- Sexual Harassment: Involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or inappropriate sexual behavior that creates an uncomfortable environment.
- Discriminatory Harassment: Occurs when harassment is based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics, often leading to a toxic work atmosphere for targeted individuals.
Common Signs of Harassment at Work
Identifying harassment in the workplace may not be as obvious as one might think. To help yourself and those around you, you must first understand common workplace harassment indicators. Here are some workplace harassment signs to be aware of:
Behavioral Changes
One of the first indicators of workplace harassment is a noticeable change in the victim's behavior.
Individuals who were once active and engaged may become socially withdrawn, avoiding interactions with colleagues and refraining from participating in group activities. This withdrawal can stem from a desire to avoid the harasser or from feelings of shame and isolation.
Additionally, victims might display signs of heightened anxiety or stress, such as nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can result from the constant pressure and fear associated with harassment.
Increased absences are another behavioral change; victims may frequently call in sick or take extended leaves of absence without clear reasons, often to escape the hostile environment.
Emotional Indicators
Harassment can have profound emotional effects on victims, leading to symptoms of depression, such as sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed.
These emotional changes can severely impact an individual's overall well-being. Victims might also display increased anger, irritability, or frustration, often directed at colleagues or oneself. These emotions can arise from the powerlessness and injustice they feel.
Fear is another common emotional response, with victims showing signs of apprehension, particularly around certain individuals or situations associated with the harassment. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors and heightened stress levels.
Physical Symptoms
The stress and anxiety caused by harassment can manifest physically, impacting the victim's health. Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other stress-related ailments are common among those experiencing harassment.
These unexplained illnesses can result from the body's response to chronic stress and emotional turmoil. Victims might also neglect their appearance or hygiene, indicating a decline in mental health and self-care.
Constant fatigue or exhaustion is another physical symptom, often resulting from the emotional toll of harassment. This fatigue can further affect the individual's ability to perform their job effectively.
Performance Issues
Harassment can significantly impact job performance, leading to a noticeable drop in productivity.
Victims may miss deadlines, leave tasks incomplete, or struggle to maintain the quality of their work. Increased mistakes and errors are also common, as the constant stress and distraction caused by harassment make it difficult to focus.
Reduced engagement is another performance issue, with victims showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm for work-related activities and projects. This disengagement can stem from feelings of hopelessness or a desire to avoid situations where harassment might occur.
Changes in Work Relationships
Harassment can alter how victims interact with colleagues and supervisors. Increased conflict with coworkers or superiors is a common sign, as victims may become more defensive or confrontational.
Isolation is another significant change; victims might distance themselves from team members, avoiding collaboration or social interactions. This isolation can be a coping mechanism to protect themselves from further harassment.
Trust issues are also common, with victims exhibiting signs of mistrust towards colleagues or supervisors, possibly due to previous negative experiences. This break in trust can lead to failed communication and teamwork.
What to Do When You Witness Harassment
If you witness workplace harassment, it's crucial to take appropriate action to support the victim and address the issue.
Here are the steps you can take in the unfortunate event of workplace harassment:
- Document the Incident: Keep a detailed record of what you witnessed, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved.
- Report to Management: Inform a supervisor, HR representative, or a designated authority within your organization about the incident.
- Support the Victim: Offer support to the victim by listening to their concerns and encouraging them to report the harassment.
- Follow-up: Ensure that the reported harassment is being addressed by following up with the appropriate parties.
How Training Can Help in Recognizing Workplace Harassment
Recognizing workplace harassment is essential for maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. By understanding the various types of harassment and the common indicators, employees can play a crucial role in preventing and addressing this serious issue.
While we hope this article has helped educate you on recognizing workplace harassment signs, whether it’s signs of sexual harassment in the workplace or behavioral signs of workplace harassment, the best way to learn more about harassment in the workplace is by taking a training course related to the topic, such as 360training’s Anti-Harassment Best Practices for Employees.
In this course, you will learn to identify inappropriate behaviors, explore the various forms of harassment, and take appropriate steps to address and report incidents. Through such training, you can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Enroll today!
