Harasment
INTRODUCTION
Harassment is defined as any improper conduct by an individual, that is directed at and offensive to another person or persons in the workplace, and that the individual knew or ought reasonably to have known would cause offence or harm. It comprises any objectionable act, comment or display that demeans, belittles, or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment, and any act of intimidation or threat.
While some individuals may feel that ‘harassment” means only “sexual harassment”, it has become clear that in today’s work environment the term is much broader than that. Harassment is a costly proposition for employers. It can result in: low morale, absenteeism, reduced productivity, employee turnover, and damages and litigation costs. The potential for harassment, including sexual harassment exists in every workplace.The number of workplace harassment claims filed during recent years has increased dramatically.
What is workplace harassment?
Workplace harassment is where a person is subjected to behaviour, other than sexual harassment that: * is repeated, unwelcome and unsolicited * the person considers to be offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening * a reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating, intimidating or threatening.
Workplace harassment can be committed by: * an employer * worker * co-worker * group of co-workers * client or customer or * a member of the public.
Workplace harassment covers a wide range of behaviours ranging from subtle intimidation to more obvious aggressive tactics, including: * abusing a person loudly, usually when others are present * repeated threats of dismissal or other severe punishment for no reason * constant ridicule and being put down * leaving offensive messages on email or the telephone * sabotaging a person's work, for example, by deliberately withholding or supplying incorrect information, hiding documents or
Harassment is defined as any improper conduct by an individual, that is directed at and offensive to another person or persons in the workplace, and that the individual knew or ought reasonably to have known would cause offence or harm. It comprises any objectionable act, comment or display that demeans, belittles, or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment, and any act of intimidation or threat.
While some individuals may feel that ‘harassment” means only “sexual harassment”, it has become clear that in today’s work environment the term is much broader than that. Harassment is a costly proposition for employers. It can result in: low morale, absenteeism, reduced productivity, employee turnover, and damages and litigation costs. The potential for harassment, including sexual harassment exists in every workplace.The number of workplace harassment claims filed during recent years has increased dramatically.
What is workplace harassment?
Workplace harassment is where a person is subjected to behaviour, other than sexual harassment that: * is repeated, unwelcome and unsolicited * the person considers to be offensive, intimidating, humiliating or threatening * a reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating, intimidating or threatening.
Workplace harassment can be committed by: * an employer * worker * co-worker * group of co-workers * client or customer or * a member of the public.
Workplace harassment covers a wide range of behaviours ranging from subtle intimidation to more obvious aggressive tactics, including: * abusing a person loudly, usually when others are present * repeated threats of dismissal or other severe punishment for no reason * constant ridicule and being put down * leaving offensive messages on email or the telephone * sabotaging a person's work, for example, by deliberately withholding or supplying incorrect information, hiding documents or