- Knowing what constitutes unlawful conduct in the workplace can help ensure that justice is served should an incident occur.
- Workplace abuse is a growing problem that can come in many forms, such as harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
- It is important for employees to document everything as documentation can be useful when taking legal action.
- Intimidation is a common form of workplace abuse often aimed at those in positions of lower power or authority.
Workplace abuse can come in many forms, from harassment and discrimination to physical violence and bullying. Unfortunately, it’s all too common in today’s society, and many employees are unsure of their rights when it comes to dealing with these issues.
Workplace abuse is a pervasive and growing problem. A study conducted by Purdue University found that 85 percent of employees who experienced workplace bullying endured psychological harm from it. Furthermore, the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence found that nearly 75 percent of workplace violence incidents occur in the health care industry.
In this article, you will find out about important things you need to know about avoiding workplace abuse.
What is workplace abuse?
Workplace abuse can come from anyone — a coworker, supervisor, or even a customer. It’s important for employees to be aware of the signs of workplace abuse, so they can take action if necessary. Workplace abuse is any behavior that makes an employee feel uncomfortable or threatened while on the job. This can include:
Harassment
Workplace harassment is one of the most common forms of workplace abuse which can leave employees feeling uncomfortable, frightened and humiliated. Harassment can be verbal, physical or sexual in nature and often involves unwelcome comments or gestures with the intention of intimidating or embarrassing the recipient.
Bullying
Workplace bullying is another form of workplace abuse that can be detrimental to employee morale and productivity. Bullying can take the form of verbal or emotional abuse, such as name-calling and belittling, as well as physical aggression. It can manifest in the form of manipulation and control, such as intentionally making someone feel guilty or excluded from the team.
Intimidation
Workplace intimidation is a form of workplace abuse that can have serious and lasting consequences. It involves the use of threats, coercion, and domination to control another person’s behavior and limit their freedom. This type of abuse is often aimed at those in positions of lower power or authority, such as junior employees who may feel unable to challenge their superiors.
Assault
Workplace assault is a serious form of workplace abuse that can often leave an employee feeling scared and intimidated. It involves physical contact or threats of physical contact with the intention of harming another employee. This type of abuse can take many forms, from pushing and shoving to punching, kicking, and even using weapons.
Speak up
If you experience any kind of workplace abuse — whether it be harassment or physical violence — it’s important to speak up as soon as possible. Many companies have policies in place for reporting incidents like this; make sure you’re familiar with them before anything happens. If there is no policy in place at your company or if you don’t feel comfortable going through official channels, consider speaking with someone outside your organization such as a lawyer specialized in labor law matters.
Document everything
When dealing with any kind of workplace abuse situation — especially if it involves harassment or discrimination — documentation is key. Keep detailed notes about what happened including dates and times; save emails and other written communication; record conversations if possible; and gather witness statements whenever possible.
Having a paper trail will not only help you remember details but also provide evidence should legal action become necessary.
Seek support
When faced with workplace abuse, it is important to seek out support from friends, family members, colleagues, professional counselors, and labor unions. Having a supportive network of people around you can help to buffer the emotional trauma caused by such experiences.
Counselors
In addition to finding a sympathetic ear and confidant, it is also important to get practical advice from those who understand your situation. Professional counselors and labor unions have in-depth knowledge about workplace abuse laws and regulations that can help guide employees through the often complex process of dealing with this type of harassment.
Counselors are also trained to provide emotional support by helping individuals identify the sources of their stress and providing strategies for coping with difficult emotions. Additionally, they can offer insight on how to move forward after experiencing such trauma.
Legal rights
It is also important for employees to be aware of their legal rights if they are ever confronted with workplace abuse. Knowing what constitutes as unlawful conduct or behavior can help ensure that justice is served should an incident occur in the workplace. Should you choose to pursue legal action, you can go for an employment intervention first, as it is usually more economic compared to full-on litigation.
Labor unions
Labor unions are another great resource when it comes to seeking support for workplace abuse. They are typically well-informed on employment laws and rights that protect workers from unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace. Union representatives can provide guidance on how best to address the issue and fight for justice if necessary.
Workplace abuse is a pervasive and growing problem that can take many forms, from harassment to physical violence. Unfortunately, it’s all too common in today’s society and employees must be aware of their rights when it comes to dealing with these issues. If you experience any kind of workplace abuse, speak up as soon as possible. Document everything and seek out support from friends, family members, colleagues or professional counselors, so they can help guide you through the often complex process of dealing with this type of harassment.
