The issue of office harassment is alarming. We have come across many issue of office harassment. Harassment is defined as inappropriate behavior that is insulting and makes a person feel intimidated or humiliated based on legally protected qualities such as gender, race, religion, and others. These behaviors are intended to violate your dignity and create a hostile and degrading environment. Harassment at work can take numerous forms, including verbal or physical harassment, sexual favors, psychological, emotional, etc.  Workplace harassment happens when an employee or a group of employees feel threatened or belittled by their coworkers. The main goal of a workplace harasser is to make their victims feel unsafe and uncomfortable. Workplace harassment is called by many other names, including “bullying,” “mobbing,” “workplace aggression,” and so on.

Harassment happens when people target several groups, such as women, racial minorities, sexual minorities, the disabled, and immigrants. Workplace harassment necessitates a multifaceted approach because it cannot be defined in a single clear and concise manner. Harassment includes numerous forms of segregation and acts of infringement that are not limited to a single group.

Types of office Harassment

•  Sexual harassment: It refers to abusing someone sexually. It includes unwarranted sexual favors, making sexually colored remarks.  Sexual harassment in the workplace is a horrific crime that is more widespread than you might realize. It is not a women-specific offense. Sexual harassment can be perpetrated by or against anyone, regardless of gender. Sexual harassment can take many forms, the most prevalent being physical aggression, touching, comments about appearance, sexually suggestive gestures, and harassing emails or text messages. Most of these occurrences go unobserved and unreported, allowing criminals to get away with their crimes.
• Physical harassment: It is a violence-based harassment, which includes assault, threats etc. Physical harassment in the workplace should be treated seriously and thoroughly defined in codes of conduct and standards. Gender minorities are more likely to experience workplace harassment. Offenders can downplay some harassments as jokes that do not cause physical injury; in such circumstances, it becomes difficult to recognise physical harassments.
• Psychological Harassment: It can also be referred to as mental harassment. It affects the employee mentally. The work pressure, the taunts and the work environment contributes to this kind of harassment. Psychological harassment harms a person’s psychological well-being. Psychological harassment involves claiming credit for others’ accomplishments, making excessive demands, setting impossible deadlines on employees, forcing them to work outside of their job area, and so on. Victims of such harassment are more prone to experience mental breakdowns, low self-esteem, and self-defeating behaviors.
•  Cyberbullying: This type of harassment is a serious concern.  Employers are using the internet to bully the employees. It includes sharing lies about the victim on social media, humiliating him on group chat, demeaning the employee by referring to some fake persons etc.

How to deal with Office Harassment

If you are facing any workplace harassment then you should first report it as soon as possible. The quick action increases the chance of resolution.

•  You should first gather all the evidence. You should save the name of the person, his position and the way in which he is harassing you. Save all the messages and documents to prove your case that he is harassing you.
• You should try to get a witness. It is possible that other employees are also facing the same harassment issue. You should talk to other employees. There are chances that any employee was present at the time of your harassment or might have overheard any conversation, and then you can try to convince them to be a witness to the incident.
•  You should also try to avoid the person who is harassing you. Firstly, you can report the incident to your manager and HR. They might resolve the conflict without filing any formal complaint. You can even request them that you do not want to work under him.
• If your issue is not resolved then you can file a formal complaint by following your company’s procedure. The company might have a complaint filing and resolution procedure. You should wait for the resolution patiently. Present your evidence appropriately.
• You should follow up your complaint. You can take the follow up from the HR department or your supervisor. Even if the harassment has been stopped, your issue should be resolved.

There are many laws, which deal with office harassment. It is advisable to resolve the issue in the office only. Office should be the place where you spend most of the time. It affects your growth. A healthy and free mind is the way to success. The harassment not only affects the person mentally but it also affects the person professionally. The victim will not be able to concentrate on his work. He will also try to avoid the harasser, which will indirectly affect his work. Every office should provide a good environment to their employees. It is beneficial for employees as well as the employer.

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