What is Virtual Workspace Harassment

Many companies have successfully integrated virtual workspaces into their operations, even after the pandemic. This innovative work setup has empowered numerous employees to work from the comfort of their homes or other preferred locations. While it has undoubtedly facilitated business growth post-pandemic, it has also unfortunately given rise to a trend of harassment in these virtual workplaces.

But how does harassment take place in the workplace? Can it be resolved? Here’s a short insight into what virtual workspace harassment is and how you can fight against it.

What Is Virtual Workspace Harassment?

Like traditional workplace harassment, virtual workplace harassment occurs when a person is bullied or harassed virtually by their fellow employees. Some examples of virtual harassment include online threats, receiving electronic messages containing racist or offensive content and being excluded from discussions or meetings.

Why Does It Exist?

There are many reasons why virtual workspace harassment occurs. One reason can be linked to the absence or weakening of workplace cultures, which help employees share the same goals and make the workplace more inclusive. Another is the blurring divide between personal and professional life, which causes some to feel more open and fearless to commit harassment because they feel they won’t be penalized easily. Virtual tools such as social media may also contribute to its existence.

How Can You Fight Against Virtual Workspace Harassment?

Whether you are a victim of virtual workspace harassment or wish to sort out efforts to fight against its presence, you can take steps to stop it. Here are some of the steps below:

#1 Have Training Against Virtual Workspace Harassment.

Every virtual employee’s training must include a section on virtual workplace harassment, how to spot it, and how to counter it. Managers, in particular, should be trained on how to intervene in these situations and offer solutions.

#2 Create An Inclusive Remote Workspace.

For the training to effectively combat virtual workspace harassment, the workspace itself must be transformed. A more inclusive workspace, one that values all its members regardless of their physical location, should be supported by policies that allow employees to work without fear in their chosen work environment and respect others in the process.

#3 Take A Legal Stance

If you believe the harassment has gone too far, you can use the legal system to stop it. Speak to a labour lawyer, who can explain the legal options you can take, and they can file the case on your behalf.

Dealing with virtual workspace harassment requires everyone’s active participation to ensure that the actions taken to counter it are effective. If you let your efforts slip, all the time you invested in countering it will be rendered useless.

So, be informed, help the rest of the team know more about it, and fight for policies and programs to tackle the problem. Even the slightest effort can make a difference!

Here are more articles on harassment and bullying in the workplace:
Spot the Signs of Bullying in Your Office!
8 Signs Your Coworkers or Boss Are Gaslighting You
Singapore is the 2nd-Worst Globally For Workplace Diversity; 1 In 4 Workers Bullied

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