Harassment affects employees and its impacts reach staff-wide. Understanding the data and brainstorming solutions to curb this is important. It is also important for employees to understand their options when facing harassment from both customers and employers.
The American Medical Association reports on an uptick in harassment in the medical field and how that worsens burnout and morale.
Violence, discrimination and sexual harassment
Research is a powerful tool for leveraging policy that may help protect more employees. As reported, leadership and legislation often want to see the science behind issues of harassment. Between 2011 and 2018, medical professionals saw 67% more violent attacks — approximately five times more than many workers in other industries. Reports found that the more an employee experiences these incidents, the higher chance for burnout. However, gathering research does not provide an immediate stop to bad workplace experiences.
Solutions in the short term
While each industry requires its own solutions, solidarity is a major way to support a victim of workplace harassment. When others stand up for their colleagues, there is more support and witness testimony when organizing a workplace harassment claim.
Another important facet of exercising workers’ rights is knowing them in the first place. Knowing how far is too far and how to document harassment may help establish a stronger case.
Protection and litigation today
No matter the industry, Indianapolis workers have certain protections in the workplace. This includes a right to a discrimination-free environment. If an employer infringes on those rights, there are protections against retaliation employees may rely on.
