Subtle Forms of Workplace Harassment You Might Miss

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a pervasive issue that extends far beyond blatant acts. While obvious instances are often condemned, subtle forms of harassment can go unnoticed, yet their impact on workplace well-being is just as serious. Recognizing the signs is the first step so you can identify and put a name to what is going on.

Understanding Sexual Harassment

An Orange County sexual harassment lawyer confirmed that sexual harassment can describe any unwelcome advances, contact, behaviors, requests, or gestures of a sexual nature. Harassment could be either physical or verbal. While some might recognize more obvious forms of subtle harassment, subtle forms may be brushed under the rug if individuals aren’t aware of them.

Recognizing Subtle Forms of Harassment

Microaggressions

Microaggressions, often dismissed as harmless comments, play a significant role in workplace harassment. These subtle, often unintentional, slights can be based on gender, sexuality, or other protected characteristics. For example, a comment on a coworker’s appearance or assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation can contribute to a hostile work environment. Understanding and addressing microaggressions is crucial for fostering a truly inclusive workplace.

Unwanted Touching

Drawing a line between acceptable and unacceptable physical contact in the workplace is essential. There are different subtle forms of unwanted touching. This can include:

• Lingering hugs
• Inappropriate patting
• Rubbing your shoulders or giving you a massage
• Putting a hand on your shoulder or another part of your body
• Physically blocking your path or preventing you from leaving
• Ssubtly brushing you while passing by

While they may seem unintentional, subtle forms like this are meant to seem that way. While someone may have genuinely not meant to make you feel uncomfortable, if you confront them about it and set your boundary that you aren’t comfortable with it and the actions continue, this could be considered sexual harassment.

Beyond the immediate discomfort, the emotional and psychological consequences of such actions can linger, affecting the victim’s mental well-being. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors is vital for maintaining a safe and respectful work environment.

Inappropriate Humor

Seemingly harmless jokes can perpetuate harassment in the workplace. Jokes that reinforce gender stereotypes, objectify individuals, or create a sexually charged atmosphere contribute to an unhealthy culture.

Humor is subjective in nature and what might be funny to some can be offensive to others. Respecting boundaries and avoiding humor that could be interpreted as harassment is key to fostering a positive workplace atmosphere.

Strategies for Addressing Subtle Harassment

Building Support Systems

Highlighting the importance of confiding in trusted colleagues or mentors is essential for victims of harassment. Establishing a strong support system can provide emotional assistance and guidance on how to navigate challenging situations. Additionally, involving HR departments and utilizing employee assistance programs can offer formal channels for addressing and resolving harassment issues.

The recent University of South Carolina (USC) situation has shown its effectiveness very well. After multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against David Voros and his response that he’s a victim of a witch hunt, students from the USC organized protests demanding his dismissal as well as systemic changes at the campus. This led to his resignation and the university’s implementation of new policies and training programs to prevent future harassment incidents.

Direct Communication

Encouraging victims to communicate assertively with perpetrators is a crucial step in addressing subtle harassment. As stated previously, some individuals may have genuinely not meant for the actions to be perceived that way. Allow them to correct their behavior. If the behavior continues, other actions can be taken.

It can be helpful to provide someone with examples of what they can say. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing what to say and how to say it. Communication tips can help them navigate difficult conversations that can then empower them to express their discomfort effectively.

Reporting Mechanisms

Ensure to document any incidents that happen such as keeping a written log of dates and times and what happened specifically. Include screenshots of inappropriate messages if sent.

Check with your company to see what reporting procedures there are in place that you can utilize and do so if inappropriate behavior continues.

Companies can provide information on anonymous reporting options and legal resources that can empower individuals to take action without fear of retaliation. This not only protects the victim but also contributes to building a safer workplace for everyone.

Additional Resources

For further assistance and support, here are some resources:

– [Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)](https://www.eeoc.gov/)

– [Workplace Bullying Institute](https://www.workplacebullying.org/)

– [RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline](https://www.rainn.org/) – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Recognizing and addressing subtle forms of harassment is paramount for creating a workplace that prioritizes respect and inclusivity. It is the responsibility of both individuals and organizations to actively work towards eradicating all forms of harassment. By fostering open communication, building robust support systems, and implementing effective reporting mechanisms, workplaces can become safer and more welcoming environments for everyone.