It can come from colleagues, supervisors, or management, and is a real problem for workers at all levels. By learning to recognize and address workplace harassment, you can help to create a healthier, more productive environment for yourself and your colleagues.
1. Learn what a harassment is and what a harasser does
Learning to recognize their behaviour is the first step in putting a stop to it and getting back to work in a comfortable environment.
2. Recognize behaviours
Watch for the sure signs of a harassment that signify more than a simple joke or mistake . It may include name- calling and offensive sexual advances
3. Tell the harasser to stop
This is, of course, more difficult than it sounds, but you can keep a few statements in mind to bring out when you’re feeling harassed. Say something short that communicates your frustration, like: “Please stop and let me work”. This will help you to stand up to the behaviour and give you ammunition for your report if the behaviour continues.
4. Keep a record of all the events
Record the name of your harasser and the method of harassment. Record specific times, dates, locations, and the names of any witnesses to the events. Provide and gather as much information as you can.
5. Get witnesses
Consult with your fellow co-workers any time you’re harased and make sure they’ll back you up by corroborating your evidence. Have them write it down for future reference. Pick someone who works at the same time you do, or who has a desk near yours.
6. Keep calm and wait a while
Make sure that you’ve collected your evidence and that you’re calm and professional. Running to your boss in the pain of emotional turmoil can make you seem like you’re overreacting, when there’s a bigger issue at hand.
7. Set up a meeting with your supervisor or HR representative
Bring your written evidence, your witnesses, and present your case as calmly as you can. Practise what you’re going to say before you get in there and have to say it. Keep your complaint short and fill out any documentation provided for you by your superiors.
8.Follow up
If the harassing continues and it still hasn’t been sorted out and nothing is being done to stop it, you have the right to take it further and go higher up, by talking to higher management.Continue until your complaint is taken seriously.
9.Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist. You might be in need of more substantial care than you can provide by yourself. Therapy or medication might be in order if you’ve spent a considerable amount of time in the grip of a workplace harassment.
10.Change jobs
It may be that, even if the harassment has been dealt with, you might be more comfortable seeking new opportunities elsewhere. Treat this whole experience as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Source: Ghana/StarrFMOnline.com/103.5FM/With files from WikiHow
