10 Most Common Types of Workplace Bullying & Harassment

April 1, 2024    litigation lawyers
10 Most Common Types of Workplace Bullying & Harassment

Despite the tremendous changes brought about by the #MeToo movement, workplace harassment remains a widespread – and unpleasant – issue.

When provided with the necessary information, HR and employee relations experts may help identify and prevent bullying and harassment before the consequences worsen. Whether the harassment is motivated by sex, gender, color, skill level, or another factor, detecting inappropriate behavior early is the greatest approach to safeguard employees and establish a secure and healthy atmosphere for the entire team.

This website blog will discuss the common types of bullying and harassment in every workplace:

Physical harassment

Physical harassment, one of the most common types of workplace harassment, is a form of aggression that includes physical assaults or threats. It may also include inappropriate touching of the skin or clothing, threats, or even damage to personal property. Physical harassment can be classified as physical assault, depending on the gravity of the situation.

The majority of employees who have experienced physical harassment are from gender minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. Sometimes, the abuse takes the form of rude jokes. In such circumstances, the victim may have difficulty detecting physical harassment. Even if no bodily harm exists, such actions may be deemed physical harassment.

Personal harassment

Personal harassment occurs when an individual or group is intimidated or threatened. Offensive behaviors are used to make the victim feel uncomfortable and intimidated in the workplace. Personal harassment includes humiliation, inappropriate statements, immoral approaches, negative remarks, and offensive humor.

Personal harassment does not include physical attacks; hence, there is no evidence in such circumstances. As a result, firms must focus on implementing rigorous anti-harassment measures and hiring a lawyer for workplace bullying. As a result, the victim may have no issue submitting complaints against the offender.

Discriminatory Harassment

Discriminatory harassment refers to unpleasant, offensive, and unfavorable behavior or intentions directed toward an individual or group based on legally protected demographic characteristics. Workplace harassment can take many forms, including verbal, written, and physical. Discrimination in the workplace is unlawful and should never be condoned, but it unfortunately still occurs.

Racism is one form of discriminatory harassment. Discriminatory harassment in the workplace can also include disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, ageism, and religious harassment. Firms must hire Litigation Lawyers Perth to keep these practices under control.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is one of the most horrible and immoral offences. Sexual harassment affects people of all genders, not just women. Attempting sexual harassment can involve requests for sexual favors, unwelcome groping, rude gestures, and so on.

However, such cases of sexual harassment often go undiscovered. As a result, the offender gains confidence and motivation. That is why the victim must sue the offender for their actions.

Verbal harassment

Verbal harassment is defined as threatening an individual or group of people to damage their health and career. In such circumstances, the employee receives harsh criticism. It frequently involves body-shaming jokes, insults, derogatory language, rude gestures, etc.

It’s not easy to recognize. However, HR managers and superiors should be aware of this. When such behavior is observed at the workplace, higher authorities must take serious measures against it by hiring Litigation lawyers Perth.

Psychological Harassment

Psychological harassment is almost identical to verbal harassment. The only distinction is that psychological harassment is more subtle and involves plotting or malicious plans. Victims may experience mental health concerns, low self-esteem, and so forth.

Psychological harassment also includes making unreasonable expectations and claiming credit for other people’s accomplishments. Higher authorities should take note of such actions and establish clear guidelines for the organization to prevent bullying and harassment.

Quid pro quo

Quid pro quo is a form of sexual harassment. The term “quid-pro-quo” is a Latin phrase meaning anything in exchange. In a nutshell, quid-pro-quo harassment involves offering the victim job perks in exchange for sexual conduct. The higher-level employee or supervisor is the one who requests sexual favors in exchange for job perks.

Third-party harassment

Third-party harassment occurs when the victim feels betrayed by an outsider. These third-party individuals could be vendors, customers, clients, or suppliers. These third-party persons harass employees with low-status positions in the organization.

Most third-party harassment goes undiscovered because the victim is hesitant to disclose it for fear of losing their employment. Organizations must address such issues, regardless of the importance of the client.

Cyberbullying

The rapid spread of technological advancement has resulted in cyberbullying (also known as digital harassment). Such harassment occurs when a fake identity is created to threaten or blackmail the victim. Cyberbullying includes posting threats, degrading comments, creating fake web pages, and making false charges.

Retaliation

Retaliation is a type of harassment used to exact retribution. It occurs when a victim files a complaint against the abuser. It is used to prevent the victim from complaining and feeling guilty.

Victims do not disclose workplace harassment accusations to higher authorities for fear of retaliation. If the victim receives any violence or threats after submitting the report, they may file another complaint.

Conclusion

Workplace harassment has become a severe problem. The majority of employers have experienced workplace harassment. However, no one takes action because of the fear of retaliation (such as job loss and harassment). Organizations must investigate this matter swiftly so that the victims are not harmed and that the organization can improve.

Organizations must develop suitable rules and practices for all forms of harassment and hire a lawyer for workplace bullying to prevent it. This allows employees to work more productively and comfortably.

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