Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC fights for employees throughout Washington, from Seattle to Spokane.

Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC fights for employees throughout Washington, from Seattle to Spokane.

What does harassment look like in the digital age?

On Behalf of | Oct 17, 2022 | Sexual Harassment

In the digital workplace, many changes have occurred, while other parts have remained the same. Unfortunately, this goes for the bad as well as the good.

Harassment continues in digital environments to this day, for example. However, it sometimes looks different than what one might expect.

Digital sexual harassment

The Association for Talent Development discusses harassment in the digital age. Harassment can happen in every workplace regardless of whether it is digital or physical.

Sexual harassment, for example, often takes place through private or direct messages. A harassing co-worker could send inappropriate or explicit pictures through private channels. They may attempt to expose themselves on a video call. They could try to solicit sexual favors in chat or through email or message.

Other digital harassment

Other forms of harassment can happen through these avenues of communication, too. For example, a toxic workplace environment might end up created due to malicious rumors getting spread through private methods of communication.

Some workplaces have “slam book” channels, in which employees will privately talk poorly about their co-workers or members of upper management. This can lead to distrust or dislike among workers which can cause a disintegration of workplace bonds and the ability for coworkers to communicate safely with one another.

Fortunately, it is also easier than ever before to collect evidence of harassment due to the advances in digital technology. Instances of harassing messages, pictures, videos and more can easily get recorded so the victim can report it to the appropriate authority and have action taken against the perpetrator.