Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment refers to any unwelcome conduct or behavior that creates a hostile or offensive work environment for an individual or a group of individuals, based on their race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. It can take various forms, such as physical, verbal, or visual, and can lead to psychological or physical harm to the victim. It is prohibited by law and can result in serious consequences for the perpetrator and the organisation.

Workplace harassment can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health. Harassment can be perpetrated by a manager/supervisor, a co-worker, an employee located in another department/location, or even a non-employee such as a supplier, subcontractor or customer. Harassment can be seen as:

• Unwelcome remarks, jokes, or physical contact

• Using threats and intimidation

• Deliberately excluding someone from work-related activities

• Withholding information needed for effectively performing work

• Denying access to information

• Organising tasks above or below a person’s skill level

• Changing rosters to deliberately inconvenience a worker

• Unjustified complaints about a worker

  
  The hostile work environment created by workplace harassment can cause a range of psychological and emotional responses, including:

1. Stress and Anxiety: Workplace harassment can cause high levels of stress and anxiety, leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.

2. Depression: The continuous stress and anxiety caused by workplace harassment can lead to depression, a condition characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in life.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): In severe cases, workplace harassment can cause PTSD, a condition characterized by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors.

4. Decreased Self-Esteem: Workplace harassment can lead to a decrease in self-esteem, causing individuals to question their worth and abilities.

5. Reduced Productivity: The negative effects of workplace harassment on mental health can lead to decreased productivity, as individuals struggle to concentrate and complete tasks.

It's important for employers to create a workplace culture that promotes respect and dignity, and to have clear policies in place to address and prevent workplace harassment. Employees who are experiencing workplace harassment should reach out to their human resources department, a trusted co-worker, or a union representative for support. If the issue is not resolved internally, individuals may also consider seeking legal remedies or filing a complaint with the appropriate government agency.

It is important that you not retaliate or keep quiet. Use your workplace policies to guide your structured approach. Consider escalating the issue to your immediate manager if the issue cannot be resolved. If your manager is the perpetrator, bring the issue to attention of HR. If you deem HR’s attempt to address the issue as unsatisfactory, you can call on external services to investigate the case impartially, such as Work and Health Safety Regulators, Fair Work Commission, Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Agencies, to name a few.

There are laws that protect you from being harassed at work. We can all be a part of eliminating workplace harassment by speaking up if we experience the harassment ourselves or witness others that do.

In conclusion, workplace harassment can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, causing stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, decreased self-esteem, and reduced productivity. Employers and employees should work together to prevent and address workplace harassment to create a healthy and supportive work environment.