Not every job results in the perfect environment, management, or surrounding staff. In many instances, there is subtle or apparent harassment directed toward employees. This can come from management or coworkers. At any rate, it provides an unsafe situation for the victim. Each of us likely knows someone who has experienced this, even if they have not disclosed details. Worse, many can relate to workplace abuse directly. The effects of being verbally or physically harassed are damaging. At Sattiraju & Tharney, LLP, we deal with these cases far too often. In dangerous scenarios, it can become necessary to find a New Jersey Workplace Harassment Lawyer, or one nearby.
Identifying Workplace Harassment
What may appear as playful conduct can easily turn into harassment if unwanted. Some questions to ask yourself might be: “Are these words making me uncomfortable?”, “Am I receiving continual, unwanted attention that makes me anxious?”, “Is there unnecessary touching?”, or “Are inappropriate [sexual] activities being discussed?” Any of these questions, along with many more, can help to identify harassment taking place. Discrimination based on sex, religion, or race can also contribute to a hostile workplace.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “This for That” is a type of harassment that includes an authoritative figure who can determine the employment status of employees. When a supervisor requests improper behavior in exchange for a position in the company, a red flag is raised of workplace harassment. Hostile work environments encompass a multitude of potential activities, but most important to identify is how you feel at work.
Emotional and Mental Effects of Harassment
Many victims of workplace harassment do not know how to exit the situation, or the damage caused to their wellbeing. The Workplace Bullying Institute identify these traumas as debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, clinical depression, PTSD, shame, guilt, or a staggering sense of injustice. Victims can experience multiple symptoms in the midst or the aftermath of abuse.
The result of these psychological/emotional injuries can lead to a desire to avoid work, become less social, or feeling helpless and isolated. If you or someone you know are experiencing this, seek help by filing a claim and finding a lawyer to help.
How To Respond To Harassment
Ideally, confrontation and reporting the individual would lead to a removal of them in certain capacities. However, this is not always the case, especially with those in management. An immediately filed claim will help eliminate the activity and legal action can be taken against abusers. Before a claim is filed, victims need to know exactly what happened and if it falls under a qualified harassment case. A New Jersey Workplace Harassment Lawyer can be an advocate for innocent people and prepare the claim to ensure success in the process.
Contact an Employment Lawyer to Help With Your New Jersey Workplace Harassment Case
Hesitation in reporting a co-worker or supervisor is natural when the situation has already brought humiliation and confusion. However, it is vital to stop the behavior now so it does not continue in the workplace. Seek help from a legal perspective before the situation becomes fatal. New Jersey Workplace Harassment Lawyers dissolve the situation and fight for the rights every employee legally deserves. If it is illegal according to the government, it is illegal no matter where the instance occurs, nor the perpetrator. Every person deserves a safe place to work and a legal system they can depend on.
FAQs About the Emotional Effects of Workplace Harassment
What kind of mental health issues does work harassment actually cause?
According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, the psychological trauma can be completely debilitating. Victims often end up dealing with severe anxiety, panic attacks, clinical depression, PTSD, deep feelings of shame or guilt, and a massive sense of injustice that leaves them feeling isolated and helpless.
How can you tell if someone’s “playful” behavior is actually illegal harassment?
It all comes down to whether the behavior is unwanted and makes you feel unsafe or anxious. Red flags include constant uncomfortable comments, unwanted attention, unnecessary touching, inappropriate sexual talk, or a boss hinting that you have to do improper things just to keep your job.
What should you do first if reporting the harassment to your boss doesn’t fix it?
If confronting or reporting the person doesn’t work—especially if it’s your manager—you need to file an official claim immediately. It’s best to talk to a harassment lawyer who can look at your specific situation, figure out if it qualifies as an illegal hostile work environment, and build a legal case for you.