In the workplace, there tend to be many unwritten rules in place that dictate behavior and interactions between employees. While some of these behavioral expectations may be superficial, there are some rules that all employees must adhere to without exception. For example, sexual harassment or discrimination is never acceptable under any circumstances.
When sexual harassment is tolerated or ignored in the workplace, it can have a negative effect not only on the victim but on the entire workplace.
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, it is important that you report the behavior. If you believe that your report of sexual harassment was not taken seriously, you may want to consider making a legal claim.
The following are some of the negative consequences of inappropriate behavior in the workplace as a whole.
Job satisfaction diminishes
When the harassment you experience is persistent or severe enough to create a hostile environment, it is likely that you will not look forward to going to work. This may have implications on your overall job satisfaction and your ability to connect with other coworkers and clients.
Victims may suffer psychologically
The harassment may have also affected you mentally, and it may be something that you simply cannot stop thinking about. If certain events that you associate with the harassment trigger you to experience anxiety, you may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally, the stress that you experienced could lead you to suffer from physical ailments such as high blood pressure and heart problems.
Productivity decreases
Your employer has a legal duty to take your reports of harassment extremely seriously. They should be additionally incentivized to do so because not addressing the problem could affect the business’ bottom line. It is likely that the stress associated with the harassment will decrease your ability to be as productive and efficient as you once were.
Sexual harassment comes in many forms, and, unfortunately, many victims fail to report the behavior because they think they may be perceived to be overreacting. It is important that you understand the seriousness of sexual harassment so that you can feel empowered to take action. Laws in New York are designed to protect victims of sexual harassment in the workplace.