Workplace Harassment: A Silent Struggle Faced by Many By Zoona Javed

Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that affects countless employees across the globe, yet it often goes unreported and unaddressed. While many might associate harassment with overt acts of sexual misconduct, the reality is that workplace harassment takes many forms, including bullying, verbal abuse, and psychological manipulation. The impact of such harassment is profound, affecting employees' mental health, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Despite the prevalence of these issues, many employees feel powerless to speak up due to fear of retaliation, job loss, or further victimization.

In the continually changing landscape of the modern workplace, harassment remains a significant issue that transcends boundaries such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. While the #MeToo movement has increased awareness around sexual harassment, it's important to understand that workplace harassment encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviors. The rapid advancement of technology has introduced new challenges, with cyberbullying and online harassment further blurring the lines between personal and professional life. Social media platforms, now extensions of the office environment, can become spaces where employees are subjected to derogatory comments, undue scrutiny, or exclusion. The global shift towards remote and hybrid work models has added another layer of complexity, as digital communication channels can be misused for harmful behavior. These developments call for a comprehensive and proactive approach from organizations, which should address not just sexual harassment but also discriminatory, racial, and psychological forms of harassment. By remaining alert and flexible, HR and employee relations professionals can play a key role in fostering work environments where all employees feel safe, respected, and valued, preventing issues from escalating. From sexual harassment and quid pro quo situations to the rise of online harassment and retaliation, the diverse nature of workplace harassment demands robust strategies to protect and support everyone in the workplace.

Learning and Bullying: A Personal Experience

In my last job, I was fortunate to gain a wealth of new experiences and skills that have greatly contributed to my professional growth. However, this opportunity came with a significant downside: I was subjected to consistent bullying by my boss. The workplace, which should have been a nurturing environment for learning and collaboration, became a source of stress and anxiety. The irony is that women are often told to uplift each other, yet in my experience, a woman was the primary source of my distress. It is disheartening to acknowledge that sometimes, a woman can be the worst enemy of another woman, particularly when jealousy and the desire to drag down a capable colleague come into play.

Hadeeba a known radiologist of Lahore was of the view that ‘I believe that workplace harassment is indeed a critical issue that can have severe consequences for individuals. It can create a toxic work environment, causing stress, anxiety, and depression, ultimately affecting job performance and productivity. In some cases, it can even escalate to physical harm or violence, making it crucial to address and prevent such behaviour in any workplace setting.’

Workplace Harassment: More Than Just Sexual Misconduct

Workplace harassment is often narrowly defined in the public consciousness, with many assuming that it primarily involves sexual advances or inappropriate physical contact. However, as Rukhshanda Naz, an advocate for women's rights, points out, harassment in the workplace is not always sexual in nature. It can manifest as verbal abuse, excessive criticism, isolation, and even the deliberate undermining of an employee’s work or reputation. Such behavior can create a toxic work environment that not only diminishes an employee's confidence but also severely impacts their mental health.

Legal Protection and Its Limitations

Syed Ali Musa, a law student, highlights a critical issue in the fight against workplace harassment: the limitations of legal protection. While laws exist to protect employees from harassment, these laws are often inadequate or poorly enforced, especially in private organizations where manipulation and intimidation are rampant. According to Musa, "You can't do anything about it unless you are really strong, and there is a law, but still, private organizations are manipulative." This manipulation can take many forms, such as threatening the victim with job loss, gaslighting them into doubting their experiences, or creating a culture of silence where speaking out is discouraged.

One of the most insidious aspects of workplace harassment is its impact on mental health. When bosses use their power to intimidate, belittle, or undermine their employees, the psychological toll can be immense. Employees subjected to such treatment often experience anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-worth. Musa emphasizes the need for a stronger legal framework that not only protects employees but also holds perpetrators accountable. "There should be checks and balances," he says, "and the law should be just. There should be examples set so that people fear the authorities."

The Psychological and Physical Impact of Workplace Harassment

Hina Sarafaraz Afridi, the Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of a national NGO, sheds light on the broader implications of workplace harassment. She notes that when an employee feels unsafe, disrespected, undervalued, or underappreciated, the impact on their well-being can be severe. "I believe that kind of workplace environment is harmful to an employee’s well-being, dignity, and value," Afridi asserts. The consequences of such an environment are not just psychological but can also be physical, manifesting in symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and even chronic illness. Afridi stresses that these forms of harassment must be prevented and that all employees deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

The Global and Local Perspective on Workplace Harassment

Azm, a seasoned journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), offers a sobering perspective on the ubiquity of workplace harassment. "It is very unfortunate, but it happens in Pakistan and Peshawar, almost everywhere across the globe," Azm states. He points out that harassment is not confined to one gender; both men and women can be perpetrators. However, women often bear the brunt of this behavior, particularly in environments where they are in the minority. "If a woman is out for earning purposes, she is considered an easy target and should be used both financially and physically," Azm observes. The consequence for many women who experience harassment is that they ultimately leave their jobs, prioritizing their dignity and self-respect over their careers.

The Role of Gender Imbalance in Workplace Harassment

Moazin Imtiaz, a corporate journalist, highlights the role of gender imbalance in perpetuating workplace harassment. In many organizations, particularly in Pakistan, the number of female employees is significantly lower than that of their male counterparts. This disparity creates an environment where women are more vulnerable to harassment, as they are often isolated and lack the support of other female colleagues. "The dominance of male workers or a greater number of males in any organization is one of the significant reasons for harassment at the workplace," Imtiaz argues. The presence of more women in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles, can help mitigate this issue by creating a more balanced and inclusive environment.

Addressing Workplace Harassment: A Call to Action

Workplace harassment is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. Legal reforms are essential, but they must be accompanied by cultural changes within organizations. Companies need to foster environments where employees feel safe and valued, and where harassment of any form is not tolerated. This includes implementing clear policies, providing training on recognizing and preventing harassment, and establishing channels for reporting incidents without fear of retaliation.

Moreover, there must be a concerted effort to support victims of harassment, both legally and psychologically. Organizations should provide resources such as counseling services and legal advice to help employees navigate the aftermath of harassment. It is also crucial to create a culture of accountability, where perpetrators are held responsible for their actions and where there are real consequences for those who engage in harassment.

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that affects the well-being, dignity, and careers of employees. While laws exist to protect workers, they are often insufficient in addressing the complexities of harassment, particularly in private organizations where manipulation and intimidation are common. The psychological and physical toll of harassment can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and even chronic health issues. To combat this problem, there must be a concerted effort to create safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces where all employees are valued and protected. This requires not only legal reforms but also cultural changes within organizations, along with strong support systems for victims. By addressing workplace harassment head-on, we can create environments where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential.

What's Your Take?

Workplace harassment is a critical issue that needs to be discussed and addressed. Have you experienced or witnessed harassment in your workplace? What steps do you think should be taken to prevent it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.