Harassment ‘sometimes seen more often now’: HR executive
Workplace harassment is not OK and never has been, yet it’s a problem that persists, says a Victoria human-resources consultant.
“Sadly, it still exists. It’s one of those things that, depending on the type of harassment, is sometimes seen more often now than it has been in the past,” said Christine Willow, a partner in Chemistry Consulting.
While progress has been made through anti-bullying campaigns and other measures, there’s still a long way to go, she said.
It’s a complex issue, Willow said, noting that in many cases an employee whose boss has been abusive, but not necessarily sexually, would assume that since the boss “is not going to go away,” the employee might as well resign.
“People tend to leave. They’ll say: ‘I’ll just go work somewhere else,’ ” she said. “If you have an administrative assistant who feels harassed, in today’s environment we have more opportunities for that person to get another job.”
It’s a different story with sexual harassment, she said.
“With sexual harassment, shame and stigma is attached,” said Willow, explaining why it tends to be reported less often. “A person might think: ‘Did I do something wrong?’ ”
While there has been increased awareness about harassment in the workplace generally, bosses are often unaware of specific instances, she said.
“There is both intentional and unintentional bullying,” Willow said, adding that some people might not view sarcasm as a form of bullying, for example.
“When employers and managers are made aware, they’re more willing to take steps to correct it,” she said. “It’s not that they want to sweep it under the rug. For most employers, it’s just not being aware.”
Workplace bullying and harassment can occur in many ways, including verbal aggression, personal attacks, and other intimidating or humiliating behaviours, according to WorkSafe B.C.
When an employer or supervisor takes “reasonable action” to manage and direct workers, it is not considered bullying or harassment, however.
Many employers have established procedures on how bullying and harassment incidents, and workplace complaints, will be dealt with.
Employees should report bullying or harassment in the workplace to their employer. If reasonable steps aren’t taken to correct it, complaints can be submitted to WorkSafe B.C.
Complainants can call the Prevention Information Line at 604276-3100 (1-888-621-7233 toll-free) and speak with a prevention officer.
Under the B.C. Human Rights Code, harassment refers to upsetting behaviour or comments that ought reasonably to be known as offensive or unwelcome.
It includes but is not limited to actions or comments directed at one person in particular that create an intimidating, demeaning or offensive work environment.