Harassment in the Workplace

Workplace harassment refers to any unwelcome conduct based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Harassment can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical intimidation, unwanted advances, or discriminatory behavior. The most common types include sexual harassment, bullying, and discriminatory harassment.

Organizations must have clear anti-harassment policies, training programs, and reporting mechanisms to address and prevent workplace harassment. HR plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment by investigating complaints promptly, enforcing consequences for misconduct, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

What should I do if I face harassment at work?

1. Stay calm and document every incident (date, time, place, what happened, witnesses).
2. Speak up — if safe, tell the person their behavior is unwelcome.
3. Report it to your HR, manager, or the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) if it's a sexual harassment case.
4. Know your rights under company policy and the law (like the POSH Act in India).
5. Seek help from trusted colleagues, mental health professionals, or legal advisors if needed.

Escalate to external authorities if internal support fails.

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What is mental harassment in the workplace?

Mental harassment at work refers to repeated behavior that causes emotional distress, humiliation, or psychological harm. It may include:

• Constant criticism or insults
• Bullying or intimidation
• Spreading false rumors
• Isolating someone from work activities
• Unreasonable pressure or deadlines
• Threats or verbal abuse

It can come from a manager, peer, or even a group, and often affects your well-being and performance.

If you’re facing mental harassment, document the incidents, speak to HR, and seek help. Every employee has the right to a respectful and safe workplace.

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What is the POSH Act?

The POSH Act stands for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

It is a law in India that aims to protect women employees from sexual harassment at the workplace and ensures a formal complaint and redressal mechanism.

Key features of the POSH Act:

• Applies to all workplaces — corporate, government, private, NGOs, schools, colleges, and even domestic workers.
• Mandates the formation of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in every organization with 10 or more employees.
• Defines sexual harassment broadly — including physical contact, unwelcome advances, sexually colored remarks, showing pornography, and any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct.
• Provides a structured complaint process and timelines for investigation and resolution.
• Ensures confidentiality, protection from retaliation, and a fair hearing for both parties.

Bottom line: The POSH Act empowers women to report inappropriate behavior and ensures workplaces are safe, inclusive, and respectful.