Harassment can be a very subjective thing, especially at the workplace. For some, touching shoulder is a big no-no but for others, hugging among colleagues is cool!
Because of this, workplace harassment happens all too often because of the blurry line. Are we brave enough to speak up or scared simply because we’re unsure if it’s actually harassment?
What is harassment? It’s when you feel uncomfortable and intimidated
According to expert, Sharmini Letchumanan, Manager of IR/ER under Group Human Resources From Media Prima Berhad, she explains Likely, “Harassment is a very wide topic of discussion. It has the effect of creating an uncomfortable, intimidating, hostile and even offensive work environment.”
She added, “In all cases, it will interfere with an individuals work performance and employment opportunities.” Which is true! When you’re in an environment that makes you uncomfortable, you might not even want to come to work anymore!
Harassment isn’t limited to just sexual harassment
Sharmini states, harassments can be categorized into two categories:-
- Coercion – Which affects the victims’ employment with direct consequences.
- Annoyance – Mostly sexually related conduct/action that’s offensive hostile or intimidating but is not related to any job benefits.
1. Verbal
Sharmini says you can identify verbal abuse when you experience unwanted oral communications. It can be innuendoes, comments. flirtation, jokes, stories or even personal questions that you offenses you.
2. Non-Verbal
Non-verbal is when someone does unwanted sign languages that includes symbols, signals or gestures. This can be a little hard to identify since body language differs for everyone. The most obvious ones are leering, whistling and even staring. But it can also include winking, blowing kisses or licking lips!
3. Visuals that include unwanted displays of
- Body parts
- Pictures or graphics
- Written material
- Objects
4. Psychological disturbances
Psychological disturbance happens when your colleague/workmate harassments affect you emotionally. Sharmini says, “It can be asking for unwanted dates, phone calls/messages that you don’t want to answer (basically has nothing to do with work and of course, social stalking.”
If any of these happens, make a report! Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Let the harasser know that you dislike whatever is happening
Sharmini says, “Make it clear to the harasser that (the action) is not welcome. Do not encourage and learn to say NO – Even if it is a superior who is doing the harassing.”
Step 2: Document the dates of harassments
“Evidence should be kept like messages. Don’t delete the messages/calls/emails in hopes that the problem will go away. It rarely does.”
Step 3: Seek help from HR or a close buddy
“Speak to your HR personnel, they would be able to guide you on what you should do next.”
Step 4: Make a police report if the situation persists
“Nothing is stopping you from making a police report – if any, it would further corroborate the matter.”
Remember, harassment of any form either at the workplace or anywhere else – IS NOT OKAY. Never take things lightly because the same thing might just happen to another person. You have the power to make a difference.
