Analyzing the Impact of Workplace Harassment and Strategies for Prevention and Policy Implementation

Abstract

Workplace harassment exists as a widespread problem which affects all work environments regardless of location or cultural background or business structure to create negative effects on staff members and their employers. Organizations today need to prioritize workplace harassment prevention because it represents a critical issue in their cultural environment. Workplace harassment exists as any form of unwanted behavior which produces an unpleasant work environment that makes employees feel threatened or scared or uncomfortable. Workplace harassment exists in different forms which include sexual harassment and bullying and discrimination that targets employees because of their race or gender or sexual orientation or disability status. Research shows that workplace harassment affects at least 25% of employees according to studies which demonstrate the need for organizations to take immediate action against this widespread problem (Kemp et al., 2020). Workplace harassment creates effects which reach further than individual victims because it damages organizational performance while altering workplace culture and harming corporate reputation. A hostile work environment creates negative effects on employee morale and staff retention while simultaneously reducing workplace productivity and innovation levels. Research findings demonstrate that workplace harassment creates negative effects which result in decreased employee job satisfaction and increased anxiety and depression and physical health problems (Nielsen et al., 2016).
Organizations which do not properly address harassment will face major financial expenses and damage to their reputation while creating an environment where employees feel afraid to speak up.