Workplace harassment and incivility are critical issues that can significantly affect both individual well-being and organizational success. For students and recent graduates entering the workforce, understanding how to identify, address, and prevent harassment is a vital part of building a positive and productive career. Harassment can take many forms, including unwelcome comments, discriminatory behavior, or even physical intimidation. Meanwhile, a lack of workplace civility—such as persistent rudeness or disrespect—can create toxic environments that hinder collaboration and personal growth. Knowing your rights and responsibilities, as well as how to advocate for yourself and others, is essential for maintaining professionalism and safety.
Equally important is fostering a culture of civility, where mutual respect, empathy, and inclusivity are the norms. By contributing to a positive workplace culture, you not only protect yourself from harm but also become a leader in creating environments where everyone thrives. This blog post will equip you with actionable strategies to recognize and address harassment, promote civility, and access valuable resources to support you through challenging situations.
Understanding Workplace Harassment
What is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment is any unwelcome behavior based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics that creates a hostile or offensive work environment. Examples include:
- Verbal: Offensive jokes, slurs, or inappropriate comments.
- Physical: Unwelcome touching or intimidation.
- Visual: Sharing offensive images or materials.
How to Recognize and Respond
If you believe you are experiencing harassment:
- Document Incidents: Keep a detailed record of what happened, when, where, and who was involved.
- Report the Behavior: Follow your organization’s reporting procedures. This may involve speaking to HR, a supervisor, or using an anonymous reporting tool if available.
- Seek Support: Talk to a trusted mentor, colleague, or legal resource for guidance.
For more information on harassment and legal protections, visit EEOC: Workplace Harassment.
Cultivating Workplace Civility
What is Workplace Civility?
Workplace civility refers to polite and respectful behavior that fosters collaboration and a positive environment. It’s not just about avoiding bad behavior but actively engaging in good practices, such as:
- Listening to others’ perspectives.
- Acknowledging contributions.
- Handling disagreements respectfully.
Practical Tips for Promoting Civility
- Model Respect: Treat everyone, regardless of rank or role, with dignity.
- Set Boundaries: Be clear about acceptable behavior and address minor issues before they escalate.
- Give Constructive Feedback: Frame criticism in a way that helps others improve without feeling attacked.
For tools on fostering civility, explore The Civility Center.
Resources to Support You
- Harassment Prevention Training: Check with your HR department or take free online courses like EdApp’s Harassment Training.
- Legal Support: Visit Workplace Fairness for legal resources and advice.
- Civility Campaigns: Join initiatives like Choose Civility to promote respectful workplace cultures.
