Do bullying, body shaming, and harmful behavior come under sexual Harassment?

A 27-year-old woman, who worked at a bank, died by suicide, allegedly due to intense bullying, body-shaming, and mental torture at her workplace for around six months. (news link - TW)

Recent tragic events have highlighted the severe impact of workplace harassment. It's important to understand that harassment at work isn't just about sexual harassment. It includes bullying, body-shaming, and other harmful behaviors that can make someone's work life unbearable.

What is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment is any unwelcome behavior that makes a work environment hostile or offensive. It includes bullying, which involves repeated mean actions to intimidate or belittle someone, such as spreading rumors or making hurtful comments.

It also includes body-shaming, where someone’s appearance is mocked or criticized, causing emotional pain, and mental torture, which involves actions meant to cause psychological harm, like public humiliation or constant criticism. These behaviors are harmful and create a toxic work environment, affecting the well-being of employees.

Sometimes, harassment can overlap with sexual harassment. For example, comments about someone’s appearance can have sexual undertones, making the situation even worse. Workplaces need to address all forms of harassment seriously.

And there is a fine line between sexual harassment and workplace harassment, which is -

Sexual harassment is a specific type of workplace harassment that involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. 

In contrast, workplace harassment is a broader term that includes any unwelcome behavior creating a hostile or offensive work environment. This can include bullying, body-shaming, and mental torture, which are not necessarily sexual but are equally harmful. 

While sexual harassment focuses on inappropriate sexual conduct, workplace harassment encompasses a wider range of abusive behaviors that impact an employee's well-being and sense of safety.

Prevention is better than cure: 

Workplace harassment can be legally prosecuted, but it’s better to prevent it in the first place. Organizations should create a culture of respect and inclusivity. This includes strong anti-harassment or Zero tolerance policies, ensuring employees feel safe to report any harassment.

Now the important question is, How to Create a Safe Work Environment?

• Clear Policies and Training: Establish clear rules against all types of harassment, including bullying and body-shaming, and educate employees and managers on recognizing and preventing harassment.
• Safe Reporting Channels: Provide confidential and secure ways for employees to report harassment without fear of retaliation.
• Support and Immediate Action: Offer counseling and support for victims, and promptly investigate and address all harassment complaints to maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Final thoughts,

Recent tragic events show how devastating workplace harassment can be. Organizations must understand that harassment goes beyond sexual misconduct and includes all forms of harmful behavior. By promoting respect and taking action against harassment, we can create workplaces where everyone feels safe and valued.

Now,

We want to hear from you! Have you ever experienced or witnessed workplace harassment? How did your organization handle it? Share your stories, thoughts, and suggestions in the comments below. Let's start a conversation and work together to create safer, more inclusive workplaces for everyone.