Workplace harassment continues to be a growing epidemic. It subjects victims to sometimes irreversible psychological and physical harm. Yet, it is not only an HR professional's duty to spot workplace harassment. Every person in the office should familiarize themselves with what it could look like.
<p><strong>If you're well-informed, you're better equipped to help a victim cope with their experience.</strong> You can also learn how to file a harassment complaint or take the necessary steps to get your department properly trained.</p><p>Before we dive into the most common types of workplace harassment, what are the qualifiers? Well, according to the U.S. Department of Labor:</p><blockquote>"Under federal law and <a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OASAM/legacy/files/2017-Policy-Statement-on-Harassing-Conduct-in-the-Workplace.pdf" target="_blank">Department of Labor (DOL) policy</a>, harassment by DOL employees of DOL employees based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or parental status is prohibited. The Department of Labor does not permit harassing conduct by anyone in the workplace, including contractors."</blockquote><p>To help you become more informed, we've listed the five most common types of harassment found in the workplace and what you can do to bring alleviation quickly:</p>
Discriminatory Harassment
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3OTYwNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NjUwNjgyOH0.gp1OASCSlNwYjfCbb9pqODzYbJpFDpdWES612fKybvE/img.jpg?width=980" id="a1e12" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d783a0f3fa3ed8a15fe6be0081c835a6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Professional woman experiences discriminatory harassment at work" /><p>Discriminatory harassment includes taking negative steps towards others due to their race, religious beliefs, or gender. A full list of what accounts for discriminatory harassment can be found <a href="https://i-sight.com/resources/11-types-of-workplace-harassment-and-how-to-stop-them/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>Power Harassment
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3OTU3MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMDkwODIwN30.oyH7eb9cNy8yW6nso6l7EbXxC7h9szNNNIJj4dVhDLI/img.jpg?width=980" id="9d3e9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8c881946d467d758fad852116b79a562" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Woman uses her power to harass a male colleague" /><p>Power harassment is characterized by a power imbalance between the harasser and the harassed. The harasser may use their professional ranking to bully the victim and coerce them into unwanted acts.</p>Physical Harassment
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3OTU3OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNTE1NDUxM30.UFi2qWbGuKX4p8B8eDDDLnA1MfpMf7SwuqovqipJURM/img.jpg?width=980" id="d7764" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d593d597850aec94c1191151c400af84" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Woman experiences physical harassment in the workplace" /><p>Physical harassment can involve violence, physical attacks, or threats. In severe cases, physical harassment can be classified as a form of assault towards the victim.</p>Cyberbullying
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3OTU3Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzA4ODI4OH0.5O538335QrLOHAj8ikgVDkqVcbvQOCCpYZDzystig9I/img.jpg?width=980" id="d0ed3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c51de24e3915cff37c6a51c354ea6a74" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Man is a victim of cyberbullying at work" /><p>We live in a digital world where user-friendly interfaces do not always promote friendly behavior. For example, instant messaging applications offer convenience, but can also create a space for easy targeting.</p><p><a href="https://www.workitdaily.com/types-of-cyber-attacks" target="_blank">Cyberbullying</a> simply means using any digital tools to scare, harm, or sadden the victim in some way, shape, or form.</p>Psychological Harassment
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3OTU3Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDI0ODc5OX0.j2T50QotPd0dJjKOaTX_pj0SNtd3j6-iWObO50KVYVY/img.jpg?width=980" id="8d670" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c9bb59075d51f3994402d0b0c80de2c6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Woman experiences psychological harassment at work" /><p>Psychological harassment can really damage one's psyche, making victims feel insecure, put down, or belittled.</p><p>Psychological suffering can also lead to a downward spiral in one's family, work, and social life—so this one can be quite significant in the long term.</p>How to Stop Workplace Harassment
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3OTU3MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxODM0MDkyOH0.kLsxL0OxYF1Rs6pUsc5KCxX0LRH1qJD4IKlS6cV3wYE/img.jpg?width=980" id="b6420" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1ec7a5df8bea4123fce6bf017628916d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Group of co-workers meet to discuss how to stop workplace harassment" /><p><strong>1. Focus On Policy</strong></p><p>Ensure the company you operate or work for has a strict code of conduct policy. Do these policies elaborate procedures regarding what to do if and when harassment takes place?</p><p>If there's a policy in place that is enforced and accurate, it will help staff abide by it and mitigate future misconduct. Along with policy, it's imperative that an internal complaint system exists. This will allow the victim's right to anonymity.</p><p><strong>2. Show Support</strong></p><p>Victims may be embarrassed or fearful after a harassment experience. This is why providing a platform for victims to safely discuss their experience (and for you to show your support) is crucial.</p><p><strong>3. Train Your Staff</strong></p><p>Train your employees, or if you are an employee, learn what harassment is and how to recognize it. Most importantly, familiarize yourself on how to report it through the proper channels. Be sure to keep the victim's experience private and safe.</p><a href="https://workitdaily.lpages.co/how-to-write-cover-letter-samples/" ><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3ODQ2MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDI5NTg4NX0.zwA8Vi9wEj3Y7dATx_7W1DaNyC6Te9Nzq4_iAS4kokQ/img.png?width=980" id="8eb21" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="61159a9d5fef98c85990dcbc233907ff" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Download Work It Daily's free cover letter samples" /></a><p><strong>Impress recruiters with your disruptive cover letter! <a href="https://workitdaily.lpages.co/how-to-write-cover-letter-samples/" target="_blank">Download your FREE cover letter samples</a></strong><strong> now!</strong><br></p><p><br></p><p>Have you personally experienced workplace harassment? As powerful as career development can be, facing these challenging situations can make your journey difficult. At Work It Daily, we are here to support your career questions every step of the way.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Join our <a href="https://workitdaily.lpages.co/pricing/" target="_blank">career growth club</a> today and get access to one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, online tutorials, and unlimited networking opportunities—all in your back pocket!</strong></p><p><strong>If you want FREE career advice in your inbox, <a href="https://www.workitdaily.com/career-advice-newsletter" target="_self">subscribe to our newsletter</a> The Daily Dose!</strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p>
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