Psychological harassment at work can feel isolating. Here’s everything you need to know about psychological harassment at work.
Psychological harassment at work is when an employee/employer targets another employee in a hostile way. It is done to isolate and exclude the individual and can be extremely destructive.
What is Psychological Harassment?
Psychological harassment is negative or hostile behavior that targets another employee. It is systematic and occurs over some time. It is done to isolate and exclude that individual in the workplace.
Types of Psychological Harassment
- Acts intended to inhibit an individual’s ability to communicate
- Attacks on reputation
- Acts intended to harm a person’s quality of life/professional performance or career
- Acts intended to harm a person’s health
- Failing to provide critical information necessary for the job
Examples of Psychological Harassment at Work
- Constant interrupting
- Constant shouting
- Refusing contact with a person
- Ignoring an individual in a way that excludes or isolates them
- Ridiculing, spreading rumors, mocking, humiliating
- Assigned inappropriate, unsuitable, or offensive tasks
- Excessive workload
- Threatening a person/carrying out acts of violence
- Constant swearing at
- Sabotaging work
- Stealing credit
- Belittling comments
Is Spreading Rumors At Work Harassment in California?
Yes, spreading rumors at work can be deemed harassment. Rumors can be considered defamation. Defamation is when an individual makes a false statement with the intent to damage an individual’s reputation.
Related: Types of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
What Can I Do About Psychological Harassment at Work?
If you are a victim of psychological harassment in the workplace, make sure to report the harassment to a supervisor, human resources, and the EEOC in that order. Make sure that your harasser is aware that their behavior is unwelcome. You can confront them via email; that way, you have a record of the behavior. It is also essential to take a look at any employee handbook manuals or policies. If the harassment does not stop, you may be entitled to compensation. It is crucial to keep documentation and proof (eyewitness testimony) of the psychological harassment. Keep in mind that retaliation is illegal and that you do not have to endure a hostile environment.
Contact Her Lawyer for assistance with your workplace harassment claim.
Related: Is Staring At Work Considered Harassment?
FAQs About Psychological Harassment at Work
Can you sue for emotional abuse in the workplace?
Yes, you can sue for emotional abuse in the workplace. There are two types of ways you can sue your employer. The first way is to sue your employer for Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress. The second way is to sue for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.
Related: Emotional Abuse Laws in California
What are the signs of a toxic workplace?
There are many tell-tale signs of a toxic workplace. However, some signs of a toxic workplace are:
- Consistent lack of clarity around work
- Treating/respecting/communicating with employees differently
- Passive-aggressiveness
- Failure to listen
- “Off-hour” communication
- Verbal abuse
- Excessive work
- Gossipy Behavior
How do you prove emotional distress?
To prove emotional distress, you can include witness testimony, documentation, and other evidence related to the distress. Testimonies of emotional distress associated with workplace emotional distress are typically strong evidence in emotional distress claims.
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one has experienced psychological harassment at work, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our Workplace Harassment Attorneys in California today!