Individuals tend to spend a large portion of their lives in the workplace. While certain stresses and pressures are to be expected in the working environment, there are conditions that overstep these boundaries.
Everyone has the right to work in surroundings that are free from bullying and harassment. The consequences of bullying in the workplace can be detrimental both for the targeted employee and the business. As a result, the negative impacts of workplace harassment warrant further consideration.
Harassment causes job performance to decline
Harassment can take an emotional toll that leads to a loss of self-esteem, lack of ability to concentrate as well as a diminished drive to perform. Not only is this detrimental for the employee but it can also significantly reduce the productivity of the business. Often, the situation can become so serious that the bullied worker can do nothing other than try to defend themselves from the harassment.
Workplace harassment damages personal lives
More often than not, the psychological impacts of workplace harassment stay with a person when they have left their working environment. Not only are symptoms of harassment psychological, but they can also present themselves physically. Victims of harassment often report having high blood pressure, panic attacks and trouble sleeping at night.
The company environment can become toxic
Not only does workplace harassment affect individuals, it can also impact business performance. As well as the victim being less productive, a hostile environment can extend across the entire workspace. Employees may be concerned about the same thing happening to them, to the point that they might even leave the company. This can result in a company having to hire and train new staff, which may be costly in terms of time and resources.
Nobody should have to put up with harassment in their place of work. If you feel that your legal rights have been violated, then there may be options open to you.