Updated 3/1/2020

HTDigest  |  Stories of the Workplace

December 2017

Workplace Civility |  Bullying  |  Harassment

Individuals should care about workplace harassment, incivility, or bullying because these issues not only affect the victims but can also have a profound impact on the overall workplace culture and productivity. When harassment or bullying is allowed to persist, it creates a toxic environment that can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased employee morale, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates. A culture of disrespect and incivility breeds fear, mistrust, and disengagement, which ultimately harms the organization’s bottom line. Therefore, addressing these behaviors is essential for maintaining a healthy, thriving work environment for everyone.

Furthermore, workplace harassment, incivility, or bullying can have serious psychological and physical consequences for the individuals directly involved.

Victims often experience stress, anxiety, depression, and diminished self-esteem, which can lead to burnout and a decrease in their overall well-being. In severe cases, long-term exposure to these harmful behaviors can result in trauma and even long-lasting mental health issues. As such, it’s crucial to understand the ripple effect harassment can have on both the mental health of individuals and the overall morale of the workforce.

Beyond the immediate impact on employees, workplace harassment or bullying can damage an organization’s reputation and public image. Companies that fail to address these issues may face legal consequences, financial penalties, and damage to their brand.

Customers, investors, and potential recruits are increasingly aware of the importance of a respectful, inclusive workplace, and a company that tolerates toxic behavior may lose business and talent. By taking a strong stance against workplace harassment, organizations demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and responsibility, which can strengthen their reputation and contribute to long-term success.

On a personal level, individuals should care about these issues because standing up against harassment, incivility, and bullying is a matter of fostering justice and fairness. When employees, regardless of their position or role, are committed to promoting respect and equality in the workplace, they create an environment where everyone can thrive. Taking responsibility for creating a safe and supportive workplace not only benefits those directly impacted by harassment but also promotes a culture of empathy, inclusion, and mutual respect.

When individuals make it a priority to stand against harmful behaviors, they contribute to the well-being of all employees and help cultivate a workplace that is conducive to growth and innovation.

Lastly, caring about workplace harassment, incivility, and bullying is essential because it reflects personal values of integrity and empathy. No one should have to tolerate mistreatment, and by actively advocating for a respectful work environment, individuals play a key role in fostering a culture of dignity.

By taking responsibility, offering support to those affected, and promoting positive behaviors, individuals contribute to the collective success of the organization. When people act in solidarity to create a safe and respectful workplace, it enhances the experience for everyone, ensuring a healthier and more productive work environment for all.

Firefighters fired after noose was found hanging on black colleague’s family photo

 CNN   .   Tina Burnside

Imagine – the photos of your loved ones that you protect and cherish are damaged and defaced by the people you work side-by-side with on a daily basis.  It is hard enough when anonymous strangers perform such actions.  According to the article, a “noose was created out of twine and placed over a black lieutenant’s family photo.  Several colleagues also drew lewd images on several photos, including one of his wife, and one of his children and their grandmother…”  This is the work environment of a fireman who puts his life at risk daily to serve humanity.

Read more…

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Learn steps to improve the cooperation in the workplace!

HobsonTraining . Michel Hobson

Learn how to:

• have consideration for the office victim
• lack of workplace cooperation impacts the witness of workplace bullying
• workplace bullying and incivility impacts the financial well being of the business
• to take steps to improve daily interactions
• to document the bullying behavior
• prepare for group meetings with the workplace bully

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    Workplace Sexual Harassment  

Tony Goldwyn Talked About His Own Experience With Sexual Harassment In Hollywood

 Buzz Feed News    .   Kristie Lee Yandoli

Maybe you are one of the lucky ones.  One of the people in the workplace who has never experienced sexual harassment.  Or never feared to walk into a performance evaluation with a manager – alone – who you are afraid to be alone with.  Performance appraisals by their nature are conducted 1:1.   We are collectively thankful that you haven’t experience that gut-wrenching, chest tightening fear of being alone in the workplace with someone who you know – or have been warned against – is a harasser, a bully and vindictive when denied.

Tony Goldwyn, of the TV show, Scandal, speaks out in support of a fellow actress and others who have experienced sexual harassment.  When asked why, he states:  “It’s something that we all need to take responsibility for.”

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Weinstein Lesson: Lot to Lose, Little to Gain by Reporting Sex Harassment

 NBC News   .   Elizabeth Chuck

In an interview with the author, one woman summarized the feelings of many women in the workplace who have experienced sexual harassment during their careers – “”We get either accused of lying about it or we have to deal with repercussions — slut-shaming, being blamed for it…”.   That just about sums it up – despite that fact that a reported 1 in 4 women in the workplace will experience sexual harassment.

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SoFi Is Being Sued by an Employee Claiming He Was Fired for Reporting Sexual Harassment

Fortune   .   David Z. Morris

Why did you report it?  A common question asked of those who experience sexual harassment – or any harassment for that matter.

Well, a male, former employee allegedly spoke up and did just that.  As a result of his action, he has filed a California lawsuit alleging that he was fired for reporting sexual harassment of female coworkers – for doing “the right thing”.

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    Disparity  .  Ageism  .  Culture

Corporate Politics and Toxic Environments Are the Real Reasons Women Are ‘Leaning Out

Corporations complain there is not enough talent, even as they ignore work environments that drive away women in their career prime

 Entrepreneur   .   Felena Hanson

Read more..

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Stop priding yourself on being brutally honest

 the Ladders   .   Rachel Weingarten

Tips for Workplace Honesty:

• Leave the brutality at home
• Stay aware of your intention
• Focus on the recipient’s perception
• Decide long term goal

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