Updated on December 31, 2020
Workplace Harassment: We All Have to Work Together to Stop It
Harassment in workplace is a serious problem. Not only it is illegal but it reduce productivity and job satisfaction too. Workplace abuse takes two forms – Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Workplace Harassment. Quid Pro Quo is harassment where a person in charge of employment decisions (such as hiring, firing, promotions, raises and performance reviews) makes an employment decision based on the submission to or rejection of a sexual behavior.
Hostile Workplace Harassment occurs when an employee is repeated exposed to behavior that makes them unable to complete their work due to feelings of disrespect and or fear. This type of harassment is more pervasive than Quid Pro Quo and often times more subtle. Every employee in an organization has the responsibility to stop harassment. In many states, managers and HRs are required to make their employees undergo an efficient sexual harassment prevention training in the workplace.
If you become a victim of quid pro harassment, it needs to be reported immediately. This type of abuse is totally unacceptable in any organization. Hostile workplace abuse is also unacceptable; But it can be more difficult to report. Many times the victim just wants the behavior to go away.
The victim of the harassment needs to confront of the harasser or if they are fearful they need to talk to a supervisor, manager or human resources. In addition, co-workers of both the victim and the harasser need to step in when they see this type of harassment occur. If the entire organization works together to stop harassment, the problem can be eradicated more efficiently.