Workplace harassment is a harsh reality to millions of Americans. Some people choose to sweep things under the rug, while others look for alternative jobs or ignore their state of affairs. However, it is crucial to safeguard your legal rights and protect yourself against this vice outlawed by law.
It is important to note that workplace harassment does not only occur in a physical office setting. Online harassment may also happen in virtual offices, which is the norm nowadays in many companies, and it is essential to be aware of what to do.
What constitutes workplace harassment?
Annoyances or petty slights may not meet the harassment threshold, while any form of discrimination, sexual harassment could amount to workplace harassment. In addition, retaliatory actions taken against protected activities such as reporting inappropriate conduct may also be considered harassment.
Keep a log of the incidences
In most cases, it is your word against the harasser. If you are facing harassment at your workplace, it is crucial to record the instances. Such a record may include:
- The date and time the harassment occurred
- How it transpired – what was said or done?
- Whether there were witnesses around
- When you made a formal report and the action taken as a result
Besides serving as evidence, keeping such records may help arrest the bigger problem in your organization, like coverups by the human resource department. Note down details of a workplace harassment incident as soon as it occurs — when your memory is still fresh.
A significant part of your life is spent working. Do not live a nightmare by enduring harassment at your workplace. It could have severe repercussions on your mental health as well years down the line.