8 Types of Harassment & Toxicity in the Workplace (That You Need to Catch Now)

8 types of workplace harassment

Are you wondering if you can spot the types of harassment in the workplace before it creates a toxic culture? While there are signs that will make it evident that your workplace has bullying or harassment present, it does not start out of the blue. By recognizing the signs and addressing them, you can avoid further escalation and help your employees create a happy, healthy workplace.

At Pivot HR, we know that proactive action is the best course of action. If you are already questioning if there are signs of toxicity, find out some of the more hidden types of harassment in the workplace below.

Gaslighting

Gaslighting is the act of a perpetrator casting doubt on the victim’s memory or sanity in favour of the perpetrator’s reality. If an employee is constantly being told their memory isn’t the best, that an event didn’t happen, or that they are just “too sensitive,” they may be experiencing gaslighting.

Belittling

Belittling can slowly chip away at someone’s self-esteem. This may show up as criticism, trivializing achievements, shaming, embarrassing, and condescension.

Discrimination

Treating someone unfairly due to physical or personal characteristics like gender, age, race, and ethnicity is discrimination. A woman not being hired if she wishes to start a family one day, not hiring people born in a certain country, or not accommodating disabilities in the workplace is how this may appear.

No Employee Recognition

Employees need recognition from management to maintain a positive atmosphere. Not giving recognition where it is due may result in uncomfortable and discontented employees.

Cliques & Alienation

While friendships should be encouraged, if other employees are being excluded or intentionally avoided, this is an issue. If you see neglected teammates, address this issue right away.

Rumors & Gossipping

Spreading whispers about employees who have quit, talking about what employees suspect happens during other employees’ time off, and spreading false information about coworkers are all examples of these two toxic habits.

Stealing

If an employee finds their lunch missing multiple days in a row or things constantly disappear from desks, theft may be occurring. Not only is this illegal, but it can also create a workplace of mistrust and doubt.

Backhanded Compliments

Backhanded compliments can be extremely destructive to workplace relationships. If you’re noticing that praise often comes with a “but,” like “You did a good job for a girl,” “I always feel better about my work ethic around you,” or something similar, you hear the start of a terrible path.

There are many types of harassment in the workplace that can lead to toxic cultures, but the above are ones we see go unnoticed until it turns into something bigger. While reading through this list, did you feel like any of those feel familiar to your workplace? Pivot HR can help you stop the toxicity in its footsteps and turn around the culture into something positive.

Our consultants would love to work with you to plan a path forward to get back to a happy, healthy environment for all your employees. Contact us today!

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