You Need To Confront Workplace Harassment
The bitter reality of workplaces
My own experience with workplace harassment gives a real-life perspective on this issue. My boss, Andrew, often made me uncomfortable with his comments about my appearance. Almost every day, he would say something about the clothes I was wearing, which made me feel like I was always being watched and judged.
It wasn’t just general comments; he would specifically ask me to wear “bold” lip colors because they suit me. This is when he crossed his line.
The next day, I decided to leave that job. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was necessary for my well-being. Leaving made me realize something bigger: it’s so important for women to understand what workplace harassment is and to stand against it. No one should have to go through what I did.
The Impact of Harassment on Individuals and Organizations
When someone faces harassment, it can make them feel scared and stressed, or even traumatised. This kind of stress isn’t just a feeling; it can lead to real problems like headaches, trouble sleeping, and feeling sad or anxious all the time. It’s not just about feeling uncomfortable at work; it’s about how this stress affects a person’s whole life, both mentally and physically. For example after quitting that job I didn’t want to work anywhere else.
Moreover, this doesn’t just affect the person being harassed, but it can also make other employees feel uncomfortable or unsafe. It can create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, where people are more worried about avoiding harassment than focusing on their work
Finally, on an organizational level, there can be serious legal and financial consequences. If harassment is not addressed properly, companies can face lawsuits, which are costly and damage their reputation. The legal fees, settlements, and the potential loss in productivity during legal proceedings can be substantial. This can lead to fewer people wanting to work there and even customers choosing not to do business with them. So, harassment is not just a problem for the people who face it; it’s a big issue for everyone.
Strategies for Prevention and Response
To stop harassment in the workplace, companies need to take clear steps. First, they should make rules that say harassment is not allowed and explain what it looks like. This helps everyone know what behavior is okay and what’s not. It’s also important to train everyone, from the top bosses to the newest workers, about these rules. Training should include how to treat others with respect and what to do if someone sees or experiences harassment. This way, everyone understands their part in creating a safe and respectful workplace.
When harassment does happen, it’s crucial to have a good way to deal with it. This means having a clear process for reporting harassment, where people can tell someone what happened without feeling scared or worried about losing their job. After a report, the company should look into it fairly and quickly. If they find out harassment did happen, they need to act to stop it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. This might include things like training, moving the person who did the harassment to a different job, or even firing them if it’s serious. By having strong actions for prevention and response, companies can make the workplace safer and better for everyone.
