Many employees work remotely or in a hybrid manner. These employees may be using their computers more than ever to do their work and interact with their co-workers and employers. This can provide these employees with more flexibility in their daily lives and save businesses and employees more money by reducing office overhead costs.
However, employees who work online may be at more risk of workplace harassment from their co-workers. How can that happen? It may be because harassers actually have more ways to reach their victims when employees work online. Here are a few ways online workplace harassment can happen:
Social media stalking
As many people do, an employee may have a social media account on several platforms. Their social media accounts might also be open to view by others. As a result, a harasser could make inappropriate comments on these accounts. A harasser may also use information on these accounts to find private information about the employee, such as where they live, who they know and their daily routine. This is a form of digital stalking, which is invasive and potentially harmful to the victimized employee.
Inappropriate emails and calls
An employee who works online often uses their email and phone to communicate with their co-workers. However, this can potentially open up employees to harassment by their supervisors or peers. A co-worker could use fake emails and phone numbers to call their victim and verbally abuse them or make inappropriate comments.
If an employee is facing online harassment from a co-worker, it is important to take steps to resolve the issue. This can be done by making a sexual harassment claim and — if the company fails to take action — learning more about their legal options.