Workplace harassment, which takes on verbal, physical, and even visual forms, can happen to anyone at any time. Harassment can take on various forms and create a hostile and uncomfortable work environment that can negatively impact an employee's mental health, job performance, and career advancement.
It can be prevented by enforcing clear policies, accessible reporting methods, disciplinary actions, and effective training programs. So, we’ve put together 10 workplace harassment training to help you address the issue right at its baseline.
Workplace harassment is any unwelcome and threatening behavior on an individual based on their age, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability. Harassment can come in different forms through verbal or non-verbal methods and can happen to anyone in any industry. It boils down to any misconduct that results in a hostile, intimidating, and offensive work environment.
What are the types of harassment at work?
Workplace harassment can come in many forms that employers and employees must be aware of to address the issues better, if present at work.
Bullying
Bullying involves repeated verbal abuse, unreasonable actions, or intimidation of an individual. It creates a threatening and hostile work environment that undermines an employee's ability to do their job.
Sexual harassment
This type of harassment involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or behavior of a sexual nature.
Discriminatory harassment
It is a harmful form of misconduct that targets employees based on their race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other factors.
Physical harassment
This refers to any unwelcome physical actions, such as inappropriate touching, blocking someone's path, or even physical assault.
Verbal harassment
This type of harassment involves unwanted, demeaning, or offensive verbal comments, statements, or interactions directed at an individual or group.
Power harassment
This type of harassment is characterized by a supervisor or manager exploiting their power over their subordinates in ways that create an intimidating work environment.
Cyber harassment
Cyber harassment involves using social media, online platforms, or electronic devices to do abusive and defamatory behavior against a co-worker.
Psychological harassment
It involves a persistent pattern of behavior aimed at sabotaging, intimidating, or manipulating a coworker in subtle, yet damaging ways. It can have a devastating impact on an employee's mental health.
Retaliation
Retaliation is when an employee experiences negative treatment for reporting discrimination, harassment, or other unethical behavior in the workplace.
Why is it important to prevent harassment in the workplace?
The impacts of workplace harassment can be traumatic, both for individual employees and the company as a whole. When people don't feel safe and respected at work, it takes a major toll on their mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.
And for the employer, harassment can lead to high turnover, loss of productivity, reputational damage, and potentially even legal consequences. This is why preventing and addressing harassment in the workplace is a priority for a more inclusive work culture.
Preventing harassment in the workplace is important to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all employees. It also promotes a culture of dignity, respect, and equality for everyone.
Plus, it’s beneficial for employers to keep workplace harassment-free as it reduces reputational damage, lessens the chances of employment tribunal claims, and improves the overall health of the organization.
Foster an inclusive culture with workplace harassment training
You can make sure that all your employees are safe and satisfied by having an inclusive and respectful work environment. When employees are not worried about being harassed or discriminated against, they can focus more on performing their tasks and responsibilities better.
This is easily attainable by providing the necessary training materials that will keep them informed about workplace harassment, how to identify it, and what to do about the situation. Take advantage of Mitti (by SafetyCulture)’s expansive course library and equip your employees with the right information.
Deliver the right workplace harassment training to your team with Mitti (by SafetyCulture)’s bite-sized courses. Sign up today for free.
