The different types of harassment one encounters at their work place; physical, verbal, and psychological can be termed as Work Place Harassment. The harassment is not just one to two incidents; it is a pattern of repeated degrading conduct against a person that creates a hostile work environment and makes it difficult to work. Harassment can be based on discrimination or just work place harassment by a co-worker, supervisor, or someone from the higher management staff. Many of them initially do not recognize work place harassment which is also a type of bullying. Work Place Harassment should not be a reason for you to leave a job.

Many a time these work place harassments can really affect a person and bring in a lot of stress in their lives, make them nauseous and afraid to go to work, and also give them sleepless nights. No one should put up with work place harassment and the matter should be reported so that you won’t be discriminated or bullied again at your work place.
It’s important first to identify the bully and the bullying behaviors before reporting to your boss or supervisor. Pay attention to symptoms outside work like a dislike to go back to work, sleepless nights worrying about work etc. It’s also important not to ignore the bully and let them get away with it. Ask them to stop bullying and it is also good to keep a journal to jot down the bullying instances. It would also be nice if there are witnesses and then set up a meeting with the boss to let him know the problems you are facing. And still if no action is taken, you can seek legal action. There should also be a recovery period where you can indulge in interesting activities outside the workplace. It’s always good to change jobs also if you really feel like it once the bully and the bullying factors are sorted out.

Office managements should have strong policies prohibiting harassment. In case there is a complaint, they should take it up seriously instead of making judgments. An employer should provide a good and decent workplace atmosphere for its employees by commencing an investigation immediately and taking corrective action properly.

W. Wen