Harassment can be one of the most upsetting and challenging experiences someone can go through – and yet it is still common in many workplaces. Bowsers Solicitors may have the ability to help you in a claim of workplace harassment, but it is first important to understand harassment further.
What Is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment can encompass many different things. It can be verbal, such as mockery, being talked down to, jokes told at your expense, or slurs. It could also be physical or sexual, such as being pushed or receiving unwanted advances from a colleague. In other cases, harassment can be psychological and subtle, such as being left out of conversations, having your work sabotaged, or being denied training and progression opportunities.
What Is The Most Common Workplace Harassment
The most common forms of workplace harassment are those that are most difficult to detect. These can include covert forms of harassment that go unreported, such as isolating an individual, creating a hostile working environment, or belittling achievements. In essence, behaviours that are difficult to clearly pinpoint and then articulate, making them hard to report, and if they are reported, unlikely to be taken as anything other than a misunderstanding or coincidence.
Why Is This Difficult To Stop?
It might seem as though workplace harassment should be easy to stop. However, little is done because so many forms of harassment are difficult to prove. As a manager receiving a report of harassment, it is important to change this by taking reports of harassment seriously, and not putting it down to paranoia, and assist them where possible in gathering evidence and documentation.
What Can You Do?
As someone who is encountering workplace harassment, it is important to keep a record of emails and written correspondence. Depending on the type of harassment occurring avoiding taking phone calls or one-on-one meetings with the person who is harassing you could be a method of reducing the level of harassment occurring. Maybe consider prioritising recorded methods of communication such as emails or text messages.
Who Can You Turn To?
If possible, you may wish to turn to a manager, HR department, or other senior member of staff to discuss what is happening and file a report. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, you may choose to leave your position – or to seek legal advice.
If you do choose to take legal advice, then Bowsers Solicitors can assist you. We can advise you on gathering the correct documentation and evidence, and support you as you pursue justice for your harassment.
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