- Document everything related to the harassment you experience, including time, date, location, perpetrator’s name and any witnesses.
- Become familiar with relevant legal rights and employment laws.
- Report the harassment to your supervisor or HR and take notes of the conversation.
- Seek support from a trusted friend, family member or counselor.
- Consider consulting with an employment lawyer and taking legal action if necessary.
Have you ever been harassed at work? Unfortunately, workplace harassment is more common than we think. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. It often leaves us feeling scared, helpless and unsure of what to do. This blog post will discuss five things you need to do if you’re harassed at work, so you can protect yourself and prevent further harm.
What is Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is a serious issue that affects millions of people across the world. The term refers to any unwanted behavior or conduct that is based on an individual’s race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
This can range from physical assault to verbal abuse and more subtle forms of harassment such as withholding information or excluding someone from a group. Workplace harassment creates a toxic and stressful environment that can damage an employee’s physical and mental health, and decrease productivity and overall well-being.
How Harassment at Work Can Affect You
When you’re harassed at work, it can have a lasting impact on your life. It may cause you to feel scared, isolated, and anxious. You may develop low self-esteem or depression. And if the harassment goes unchecked, it can lead to serious physical health issues like high blood pressure and heart problems.
It’s important to remember that no one should have to go through this alone. You deserve to be respected and treated with dignity. That’s why it’s important to protect your rights and take action if you’re being harassed at work.
What You Can Do If You Are Harassed At Work
If you’re being harassed, you don’t have to feel helpless. Here are five things you should do to protect yourself and take action:
Document Everything
The first and most important thing you need to do if you’re harassed at work is to document everything. Keep a record of the time, date, and location of the harassment, the name of the perpetrator and any witnesses, and what was said or done. Keep any emails, texts, or other evidence that may be helpful. Documentation is crucial if you decide to file a complaint or take legal action.
Know Your Rights
Familiarizing yourself with relevant legal rights and employment laws is vital. Understand that it’s unlawful for anyone to harass you as an employee. To ensure that you’re protecting your rights, it’s important to consult with a reputable employee rights attorney who can advise you on the best course of action. They can help you understand the legal steps you need to take and what options are available so that you can make informed decisions and protect yourself.
Report the Harassment
Don’t stay silent. Report the harassment to your supervisor, HR, or whoever is responsible for handling these issues in your workplace. Explain what happened, how it made you feel, and provide any evidence you have.
Take notes of the conversation and document the outcome. Be aware that employers have a legal responsibility to take action to investigate and address reports of harassment.
Seek Support
Harassment can be traumatizing and emotionally exhausting. Seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be helpful and may assist in coping with the aftermath of the harassment.
When seeking support, remember to maintain your privacy. Your experience should remain confidential unless you have given consent for it to be shared.
Take Legal Action If Necessary
If the harassment continues, don’t be afraid to consult with an employment attorney and take legal action. You have a right to work free from harassment, and you’ve already taken steps to prevent it and maintain a safe workplace. However, legal actions are usually the next option if your employer fails to address the problem or cover it up.
Final Thoughts
Workplace harassment is a severe matter that must be handled appropriately. After being harassed, documenting everything that happened, reporting the harassment, seeking support, knowing your rights, and consulting with an employment attorney or taking legal action can help you protect yourself while creating a safer work environment. Remember, don’t be afraid to speak out and take action against harassment; it is never your fault, and no one should ever have to endure it.