This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a form of unwanted conduct that can take many forms, including physical assaults, threats, and intimidation, as well as aggressive jokes, name-calling, and offensive nicknames.
According to a survey by npr.org, 80% of women have experienced sexual harassment at work. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the need for open conversations and effective workplace management.
Sexual harassment is the most common form of harassment reported by women in workplaces, and its severity has sparked global conversations. Many women have admitted to experiencing sexual harassment at least once throughout their employment, and it is often linked to a hostile work environment.
Other forms of harassment include discriminatory harassment, where an employee is treated otherwise because of their gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. This type of harassment is defined by the intention rather than the action, and it can be just as damaging as verbal and physical harassment.
Quid pro quo, or 'this for that' kind of exchange, is a form of harassment where a manager or senior-level employee blackmails an employee for something, often sexual or monetary. This type of harassment is often linked to jobs where productivity is solely measured through performance.
Organizations have a crucial role to play in preventing workplace harassment. They must implement their code of conduct, train staff on the code of conduct and sexual harassment, and create a safe space for employees who have been harassed to air out their complaints.
Individual employees also have a part to play in preventing workplace harassment. They must observe the code of conduct, report any hostility, give suggestions where there are loopholes, and maintain professionalism.
