The issue of workplace harassment is a disturbing problem that impacts many employees across the globe. To safeguard against workplace harassment, employees must be well-versed in their legal rights.
Harassment at work can have bad effects on the organization and the employer. It can make less work get done, make more workers leave, and cause emotional and psychological pain that lasts a long time.
There can be different types of harassment, and identifying those and creating \a safe and inclusive work environment is the responsibility of the employer.
In this blog post, we will discuss five signs that may indicate an employee is facing harassment at the workplace.
- Behavioral Changes:
A sudden and noticeable change in behavior is one of the most obvious indications that an employee is being subjected to harassment. The employee might be experiencing harassment if they used to be social and engaged but now are withdrawing, showing signs of anxiety, or regularly exhibiting stress symptoms. Employees might appear less enthusiastic about their work, have lower productivity, or even start to miss deadlines. Supervisors and colleagues should pay attention to these changes in behavior and support employees who are affected.
- Frequent Absenteeism or Increased Sick Leaves:
Harassment in the workplace can result in the creation of an unwelcoming environment that may have serious consequences for both physical and mental well-being. Harassed employees often take more sick leave or time off. The absences may mean they are avoiding the harasser or dealing with the stress and anxiety caused by the situation. It is important for employers to monitor patterns of absenteeism and handle any instances of excessive or unusual absences with compassion and empathy.
- Deterioration in Performance and Confidence:
Harassment can significantly impact an employee’s performance and self-confidence. An employee who was competent and confident before is starting to make mistakes, struggling to meet expectations, or doubting their abilities, it might be a sign of harassment. Constant criticism, humiliation, or belittlement can erode an employee’s self-esteem, leading to a decline in their overall performance. Managers and team leaders should closely monitor changes in performance and proactively provide support and guidance to employees who might be facing harassment.
- Increased Isolation and Avoidance:
Harassment can create a toxic and isolating work environment. Victims of workplace harassment often try to keep away from their colleagues, actively avoid any kind of interaction, or ask for changes in their work environment or schedule. They might worry about being victimized or judged, which can make them feel isolated. Employers should encourage open communication and collaboration so that employees feel safe to report harassment without fear of retaliation.
- Emotional and Physical Symptoms:
Harassment can take the form of several emotional and physical symptoms. Signs of increased stress, like anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, or insomnia, may indicate that an employee is facing harassment. They might have physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or panic attacks. Pay attention to these symptoms because they may indicate a hostile work environment. Providing counseling and mental health resources to employees can offer important support.
Conclusion
Educate employees through training and investigations to raise awareness of their rights and encourage open communication to address their concerns. Draft disciplinary warnings against employees who have engaged in unacceptable behavior at work. Even if the employees don’t come to you, as an employer you should recognize the signs of harassment. Encouraging employees to report incidents of harassment and taking appropriate action can lead to a healthier and more productive work environment for everyone involved.
Employers can prevent harassment by noticing changes in behavior, dealing with more absences, helping with declining work, creating open communication, and recognizing emotional and physical signs. Remember, creating a safe workplace is a collective responsibility that requires continuous effort and vigilance. Also, it is the liability of the employer to prevent workplace harassment for compliance with the law. Employers must understand workplace bullies and abrasive leaders, why they behave that way, and how to stop them to avoid penalties and legal actions.
