• Not all workplace harassment is sexual

All of us want access to a good and healthy workplace. It is a key part in determining where we want to work as well as something that contributes to our happiness and productivity. 

“I think that a healthy workplace is what contributes to what motivates someone to work,” Senuri Weerasekara, a marketing executive, told The Daily Morning Brunch. “Whether you work in an office, in a hybrid role or are a remote worker, a good environment is essential.”

Many people often think of workplace harassment as unwanted sexual advances, sexual assault or violence. While this is an unfortunate reality, there are also many cases of non-sexual harassment such as workplace bullying, discrimination, and other forms of intimidation.

Harassment and humiliation 

“Non sexual harassment in workplaces happens more than you think and it can often happen in subtle ways, sometimes without the victim knowing,” Harishman Somaskandarasa, a human resource executive, said. 

Many readers said that harassment often occurred due to rumors that were circulated by their colleagues and bosses. 

“I worked in an office where a coworker pretended to be nice to me and gave me some of her clothes that no longer fit her,” a reader who wished to remain anonymous said. “However, I later found out that she had told everyone else that I had been disowned by my parents and needed assistance. I was a fully grown woman who didn’t ask for money from my parents but she used the narrative against me to make up a rumor and make her look like a martyr.” 

The reader said that speaking against this openly has been impossible because the industry she works with is so small and it would give employers the impression that she causes problems. 

“It’s sad for people who genuinely want to speak up,” she said. “Because by not highlighting these behaviors, the person harassing us gets a free pass.” 

Another reader, Hilary Nonis who is a legal professional, spoke out about his experience. 

“I recommended my best friend for a company that I used to work for,” Nonis said. “I knew he was a bit gossipy but I didn’t mind it until I learnt that he had started rumors about me being on drugs and visiting adult sites. The rumours spread around the workplace and ruined my relationships with my colleagues.”

Nonis said that while he was hurt, he has learnt the value of healthy workplace relationships. 

“I treated this colleague like a brother and I felt deeply betrayed at the time,” he said. “But now I know that a healthy workplace relationship starts with respect and if someone doesn’t respect others, they will not respect.”

Stereotyping 

While women play a large part in workplaces, many of them still face harassment and discrimination based on their gender. 

“I often get asked whether I am married or if I have a boyfriend, even at job interviews,” another anonymous reader said. “My male colleagues also often take smoke breaks but when I smoke, people often try to stop me and say things about my character that aren’t true.” 

The reader said that because of this, she feels discouraged to come to work. “I really do not like coming to work because of these comments,” she said. “I was once referred to as black by a senior executive because I am a dark skinned woman. The problem is there are so many dark skinned men in the office and I don’t see him commenting on their appearance or their smoking habits.” 

Meanwhile, several members of the LGBTQ community also faced similar issues and challenges. “As a masculine presenting woman who is openly queer, I get a lot of comments from my colleagues,” Jenna De Silva, a writer, said. “My  coworkers have asked me whether I am the way I am because of lack of access to men while another male coworker spread a rumor about me saying that he turned me into a lesbian. Because of this, I no longer come to the office but work remotely.” 

A complex solution 

While rumors, comments and questions are often complex to deal with, human resource professionals say that documentation and discussion is often the answer. 

“The important thing to do is recognise harassment and document details such as the date and time it occurred, what happened and where,” Somaskandarasa said. “Also save any proof such as emails or screenshots that could count as proof. A good company would always conduct an impartial investigation and take action.” 

Somaskandarasa said that it is also important to stay calm and not to retaliate. “Be confident in formal complaint and communication channels,” he said. He noted that despite workplace harassment being common, it is also a problem with a  solvable solution. 

While many of our readers expressed their concerns and frustrations over their treatment in the workplace, many also expressed gratitude to the various ways our organisations protect their employees and contribute to their mental health and wellbeing.