The key aspects of workplace harassment
Workplace harassment is defined as exposure to psychological violence, directed repeatedly and continuously over time , towards one or more people, by one or more people who act towards them from a position of power, superiority or authority which does not necessarily have to be hierarchical.
This exposure occurs within the context of an employment relationship and poses a significant health risk.
It includes any conduct that, in a professional services relationship, aims to create an intimidating, offensive or humiliating environment by one or more people, and that is likely to cause damage to their personal integrity, whether in its physical, psychological or moral aspect.
In general, workplace harassment involves repeated and frequent behavior. Bullying can occur in any workplace and against people in any position or role, from subordinate employees to managers.
It can also take many different forms, from verbal or physical abuse to cyberbullying (online harassment). In some cases, workplace harassment extends beyond the work environment, for example, through emails or text messages sent outside of working hours.
Identify sexual harassment
A single incident of unreasonable behavior is not considered workplace harassment, although any instance of inappropriate or disrespectful behavior should be dealt with immediately and seriously before it escalates or becomes chronic.
Not every activity that provokes tension or conflict in the workplace can be considered moral harassment, and it is necessary to rule out as mobbing cases of work frictions or simple disagreements or rigorous demands for certain work behavior, which respond to inevitable and natural confrontations inherent in human relations and, more specifically, those arising as a consequence of the employment relationship or professional situation.
Warning signs of mobbing
There are some situations that may lead us to suspect that a situation of workplace harassment is occurring, and it is important to know how to identify them:
Behaviors related to organizational measures
As an example:
- When a person in a higher position unfairly restricts a person's ability to speak.
- Changing a person's location without justified reason, separating them from their companions with the intention of isolating them.
- To force someone to perform tasks against their conscience
- Do not assign tasks to a person in a way that will harm their professional development.
- Assigning tasks far beyond the person's skills or qualifications.
- Denial or difficulties in accessing permits, courses, activities, among others.
Behaviors to reduce the chances of communication
As an example:
- Rejecting communication with a person through looks and gestures.
- To refuse communication with a person by not communicating directly with them.
- Do not speak to a person with the intention of isolating them.
Behaviors that affect the physical or mental health of the victim
As an example:
- Constant criticism in a person's private life.
- Phone calls to instill fear.
- To make a person look stupid.
- To imply that a person has psychological problems.
- To imitate a person's gestures, voice, etc.
- To mock a person's private life.
- Threats of physical or sexual violence.
- To yell or insult
Behaviors that attack the victim's attitude
- Attacks on political attitudes and beliefs.
- Attacks on religious attitudes and beliefs.
- Mocking the victim's nationality.
Rumors:
- To speak ill of a person behind their back.
- Spreading rumors.
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