Harassment at work. Unfortunately, this form of discrimination occurs on a daily basis around the world. Harassment comes in many forms: racial and ethnic discrimination, religious affiliation, gender, unsolicited exposure to offensive jokes or sexual innuendo. Employees working in an environment were they feel they are being harassed is an unacceptable situation. First, the emotional impact on the employee can be far reaching causing sever emotional distress. Second and by no means the last, the company is impacted in several ways with the most common being a reduction in performance followed by resentment amongst the employees.
This can include jokes about a fellow employee for being young and naive.” Or for older employees, teasing about being “as old as dirt” can be hurtful. Jokes of Catholic priests or Rabbis can be offensive to those practicing the respective faiths. Jokes that play upon stereotypes are forms of harassment.
These forms of harassment can be much more difficult to prove. If a person feels harassed and confides in a supervisor, they will ultimately be placed in a “he said/she said” situation where there may be no return. If the harassing individual is a particular favorite of management it can cost the accusing employee their position or job.
For this reason, an employee facing this form of confrontation should consider finding proof before going to any higher-up. There are a variety of tools and methods available to catch the harasser in the act. Audio/voice recorders technology has come a long way. The ability to pick up sound from a distance is amazing. They can be caried in a pocket or a purse. Hidden cameras can be held on ties or worn in jackets.
Another reason these forms of harassment are as common as they are may be simple ignorance. Perhaps the employee or employees in the workplace aren’t aware that they are truly offensive. Oftentimes they may believe they’re just joking and genuinely don’t know how hurtful they are.
There are a variety of training programs available that teach sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, and religious differences if management wishes to begin an awareness program. This can eliminate many future claims of workplace harassment.
A workplace free from discrimination is the key to organizational success. This will eliminate many common disputes between workers and nurture a mutual interest in working together.
If you feel you may be a victim, contact your HR department first. If your HR department does not address and deal with the issue professionally, please consult outside legal counsel immediately.