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Harassment in the Workplace: What You Need to Know
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Workplace harassment isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s deeply damaging. Whether it’s unwelcome comments, bullying, or worse, harassment creates a toxic environment that can harm your mental health, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Shockingly, a recent UK study found that two thirds of young women have experienced some form of workplace harassment in the past year alone.
If you’re dealing with or worried about harassment, it’s essential to understand what it is, why it’s so harmful, and most importantly, how to take steps to address it.
By recognising the signs and knowing your rights, you can help create a safer, healthier work environment—for yourself and others.
Let’s break it down together.
Harassment vs Bullying: What’s the Difference?
Harassment and bullying are both harmful, but they’re not exactly the same. It’s important to know the difference so you can spot them and address them properly.
Harassment at work happens when someone’s dignity is violated or when the environment becomes intimidating, hostile, or offensive. This can happen because of someone’s age, race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, and it’s illegal under UK law. For example, it could be someone making offensive jokes, touching someone without consent, or making hurtful comments about someone’s appearance or beliefs.
Bullying is a bit different. It’s when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that undermines, humiliates, or intimidates another person. Bullying doesn’t have to be about a protected characteristic to be harmful. It might look like spreading rumours, constantly criticising someone, excluding them from work events, or treating them unfairly.
Harassment is illegal when it’s related to protected characteristics, but bullying doesn’t always fall under the law. Still, many workplaces take bullying seriously and include it in their policies because it harms employees’ wellbeing.
Both harassment and bullying can show up in many ways—whether through words, actions, or even online. The effects can be serious, leaving people feeling anxious, depressed, and disconnected from their colleagues. It can lower productivity and damage relationships at work.
Forms of Harassment in the Workplace
Harassment in the workplace can show up in different ways, but all of them can damage the dignity and wellbeing of those affected. Spotting these behaviours is vital to maintaining a respectful and safe environment.
Verbal Harassment
Verbal harassment happens when someone makes offensive remarks or insults. This could be anything from inappropriate jokes to slurs or asking personal questions that make someone uncomfortable. For example, a colleague repeatedly making jokes about someone’s accent or constantly questioning a woman about when she plans to have children can create a hostile environment. These comments can leave employees feeling humiliated or unable to focus on their work.
Non-Verbal Harassment
Non-verbal harassment is often just as harmful. This could include behaviours like leering, staring, or making inappropriate gestures. Imagine being at work and feeling uncomfortable because someone is constantly staring at you in a way that feels disrespectful. Or, a colleague who posts offensive images on the office noticeboard. These actions create a tense atmosphere, making it difficult to work peacefully.
Physical Harassment
Physical harassment includes any unwanted physical contact, like touching, pushing, or grabbing. A clear example is if someone constantly pats you on the back in a way that makes you uncomfortable or if a colleague forcefully grabs your arm while talking. More extreme cases might involve physical assault or threats, which are not just harassment—they are illegal. Physical boundaries should always be respected at work.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment involves any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature. This might include unwanted advances, inappropriate comments about someone’s appearance, or even sending explicit messages or images. For instance, a colleague making sexually suggestive remarks or sending unsolicited sexual jokes online creates an unsafe environment. This form of harassment often involves power imbalances, leaving those affected feeling trapped or unsafe.
Cyber Harassment
As more communication moves online, cyber harassment has become more common. This could mean receiving offensive emails, messages, or social media posts. For example, a colleague may send hurtful messages outside of work hours, trying to invade your personal space. With the blurred lines between work and home life, this type of harassment can feel even more invasive.
Abuse of Power or Authority
Harassment can also happen when someone in a position of power abuses it to demean or disadvantage others. For instance, a manager constantly criticising an employee in front of their team or giving them impossible deadlines just to make them feel small. This creates an unhealthy environment where employees feel belittled or intimidated, and it undermines trust within the team.
Why Harassment in the Workplace is Often Overlooked
Unfortunately, harassment in the workplace often goes unnoticed, even when it’s happening right in front of people. There are several reasons why this happens, making it hard to tackle harmful behaviours and create a safe environment for everyone.
One reason is confusion. Sometimes, people don’t recognise certain actions as harassment, especially if they’re subtle or seem like jokes or compliments. If someone makes an off-hand comment about a colleague’s looks or cracks a joke that crosses the line, it can be hard to know whether it’s truly harassment. Without a clear understanding of what counts as harassment, those who see it may not feel comfortable speaking up.
Fear of retaliation is another big reason. People who witness harassment may worry about the fallout if they report it—things like damaging relationships, risking their own job security, or even being left out at work. This fear is even stronger if the person doing the harassing is in a position of power, like a manager or senior colleague.
There’s also something called the bystander effect. This is when people assume someone else will step in, so no one takes action. In a group, it’s easy to think, “Someone else will say something,” and as a result, no one does.
In some workplaces, inappropriate behaviour becomes normalised. If leadership ignores certain actions or brushes them off, employees may think nothing will change if they report it. This can lead to a culture where harassment continues unchecked.
A lack of training or support for bystanders makes things worse. Without clear guidance on how to react to harassment, people often don’t know what to do. They might avoid the situation entirely, thinking it’s easier to look the other way than get involved.
Understanding why harassment is overlooked is key to making real change. By providing clear guidelines, supporting those who speak out, and creating a culture where action is taken, we can start addressing harassment more effectively.
How to Report Harassment in the Workplace
Reporting harassment can feel intimidating, but it’s an important step in stopping harmful behaviour and making the workplace safer. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
- Keep a Record: Write down everything. Include dates, times, places, and a description of what happened. Note who was involved and if there were any witnesses. For example, if a colleague sent you an offensive email, save it as evidence. This information is essential when making a formal report.
- Check Your Workplace Policies: Look at your company’s harassment policies. These usually explain how to report an issue and who to speak to. It might be your manager, someone in HR, or a specific harassment officer. Knowing the right steps makes it easier to act.
- Report the Behaviour: When you report the harassment, be clear and direct. Explain what happened, how it affected you, and share any evidence you’ve gathered. For instance, if you’ve been excluded from team meetings after raising a concern, mention that too. The more specific you are, the better.
- Consider External Help: If you don’t feel comfortable reporting it internally, there are organisations that can help. Groups like ACAS or Citizens Advice can guide you on your rights. If you’re in a union, they can offer support too.
- Seek Legal or Police Support if Needed: If the harassment is severe or involves illegal actions, think about getting legal advice or contacting the police. For example, if someone has threatened you or made inappropriate physical contact, this could be a criminal matter.
Employers are responsible for taking your complaint seriously and investigating it promptly. While taking action might feel overwhelming, it’s an important step toward protecting not only yourself but also your colleagues. Speaking up plays a vital role in creating a safer, more respectful workplace for everyone.
Getting Support for Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
Dealing with workplace harassment can seriously affect your mental health. It’s important to take care of yourself and find the right support. Here are some simple ways to help you protect your wellbeing:
- Talk to Someone You Trust: Sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or someone you trust can make a big difference. Talking can help ease the emotional weight and remind you that you’re not alone. For instance, a close friend might offer advice or simply be there to listen when you need it most.
- Speak to Your Employer: Let your manager, HR, or the harassment officer know what’s happening. Employers are responsible for creating a safe workplace, and speaking up gives them a chance to take action. For example, they might investigate the issue or provide resources to support you.
- Seek Professional Help: Counsellors or therapists can help you work through your emotions and find ways to cope. For example, if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, a mental health professional can teach you techniques to manage those feelings.
- Use Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Many employers offer confidential support services like counselling or mental health resources through EAPs. Check if your workplace has one—it’s a great way to get help without worrying about privacy.
- Focus on Self-Care: Take time for yourself. Try simple things like going for a walk, practising mindfulness, or sticking to a healthy routine. These habits can lower stress and boost your resilience over time.
- Reach Out to External Organisations: Groups like ACAS, Citizens Advice, or mental health charities can provide practical advice and emotional support. For instance, they might help you understand your rights or connect you with resources tailored to your needs.
Taking these steps can help you feel more in control and supported. You don’t have to face it alone—help is out there, and reaching out can make a real difference to your wellbeing.
How to Support Those Who Have Experienced Harassment at Work
If someone you know has faced harassment at work, your support can make a real difference. A mix of understanding and practical help can help them feel valued, safe, and ready to move forward. Here’s how you can help:
Listen Without Judgement: Give them space to share their story. Listen patiently and let them speak in their own time. Let them know their feelings matter and remind them it’s not their fault. For example, you could say, “I’m here for you, and I believe you.” Just being there without offering quick fixes can mean a lot.
Encourage Professional Support: Suggest they talk to a therapist or counsellor. A professional can help them work through emotions like anxiety or fear. For example, a counsellor might teach them coping strategies or help them rebuild confidence.
Provide Information on Reporting: Help them understand their options if they want to report the harassment. Point them to the workplace’s HR policies or organisations for guidance. If they’re unsure, offer to help them find the right contacts or navigate the process. Let them know it’s their choice whether to report, and you’ll back them no matter what.
Create a Safe Environment: Show them they’re not alone. If they decide to take action, offer practical help. For instance, you could accompany them to meetings or help document what happened. If you’re in a leadership role, take a clear stand against harassment and promote a culture of respect.
Respect Their Privacy: Keep their story confidential unless they ask you to share it. Avoid discussing their experience with others—it’s their choice how and when to share details. Protecting their trust is essential.
Check in Regularly: Keep in touch and ask how they’re doing. Sometimes, a simple “How are you holding up?” can remind them you care and are there to support them as they heal.
Offer Practical Help: Small actions can go a long way. For instance, if they’re feeling overwhelmed, you might help them with work tasks or suggest ways to manage stress.
By offering empathy and practical support, you can help them feel less isolated and more empowered to move forward. Together, we can build workplaces where everyone feels safe and respected.
Training to Prevent Harassment in the Workplace
At PMAC, we believe that creating a safe and inclusive workplace starts with proper training. Our Harassment and Bullying Training is designed to empower employees and leaders with the tools they need to recognise, address, and prevent harmful behaviours effectively.
We start by breaking down what harassment and bullying really mean. Using clear definitions and relatable examples, we explain the different forms these behaviours can take—whether verbal, non-verbal, physical, or even online. We also highlight the serious impact they have on individuals and workplace culture. By helping people understand what unacceptable behaviour looks like, we make it easier for them to take action.
Understanding legal responsibilities is another key part of our training. We cover the rights and obligations under UK laws like the Equality Act 2010, so your team knows how to protect themselves and others while promoting equality and respect.
Our training goes beyond the basics. We focus on practical strategies that can be used every day. We teach employees how to step in as bystanders, support colleagues who’ve experienced harassment, and report incidents confidently. To make it real and actionable, we use role-playing scenarios and real-life case studies, giving participants the confidence to respond effectively in tough situations.
We also work closely with leaders and managers to help them create a culture of respect. We guide them through handling complaints with care, conducting fair investigations, and putting preventative measures in place. We want your leadership team to feel equipped to lead by example.
We know this isn’t a one-and-done effort. That’s why we recommend regular training to keep your team up to date with the latest standards and practices. By choosing harassment and bullying training, you’re taking a big step towards building a workplace where everyone feels valued, safe, and supported. We’re here to help you make that happen.
Originally published: 21/01/2025
Last updated: 21/01/2025