Have you been harassed at work and are not sure if you should take things up legally? Or perhaps you don’t even know if what happened to you was harassment. Then this post about why seeking legal advice after harassment in the office is important is a must-read for you.
Workplace harassment is any behavior that undermines one’s dignity at work and makes the workplace environment unfriendly. It can manifest itself in different forms; it could happen in person, in writing, or over mail. Sometimes it may not be consistent and might go on for long.
Some instances of harassment may be disregarded as banter. But it is a chronic issue that can have long-term negative effects on the victims if not handled in the right way. Seeking legal advice from professional employment lawyers, such as HKM workplace lawyers, can help you overcome bullying or harassment at work.
The following are some cases of workplace harassment:
- Physical abuse
- Humiliation before your colleagues, customers, or management
- Verbal abuse
- Repeated, biased criticism
- Being overworked and underpaid
What You Should Do When Facing Workplace Harassment
If you feel harassed at work, it is advisable to keep a good record of the incidents, including copies of email or anything that occurs in writing. If you incur physical injuries or psychological trauma such as anxiety that requires medical attention, you should record it too.
You can also try finding other colleagues who are going through a similar situation. Your workplace manager should take action to stop the harassment if they are not the perpetrator.
Persistent harassment can overwhelm you, affecting your confidence and productivity. According to the law, it is your employer’s responsibility to protect you from any kind of bullying or harassment in the workplace.
However, if your employer is involved in the harassment or cannot help prevent or stop it from going on, seek legal advice immediately to help you understand your rights. The following are some actions you can take in case of harassment at work:
Informal action
In some instances, you can informally ask the harasser to stop. You can set up a meeting with the support of other colleagues and record the meeting.
Alternatively, you can approach them in writing and keep a copy of it. After, you should speak to your employer, who is impelled to ensure that the necessary action is taken.
Formal action
Employers have a legal obligation to set up a formal grievance procedure that maps out how conflicts in the workplace are handled. Employees should have access to human resource support, and any harassment reports should be formally resolved.
Constructive dismissal
If informal and formal channels within your organization fail to resolve your issue, and you are forced to resign because of harassment, you can build a case for constructive dismissal with the help of employment attorneys. Employment tribunal cases apply strict time limits; you must therefore issue a claim within three months after you resign.
Final Note
Professional legal advice can help you understand your rights and intervene to stop harassment and bullying at work. An expert in employment law is capable of assessing your situation and advising you on the most effective action.
They can answer all the questions you might have regarding your situation and offer legal representation in the court of law.
