Working online gives people many advantages. Many workers find that they are more productive as they work around their own schedule, can save money by not driving to an office space and have an overall better daily outlook. However, working online does not stop one major issue: workplace harassment.
Workplace harassment may be worse for employees who work online. A co-worker can easily harass someone who works online. Here is how:
Receiving unwanted emails
Many online workers use their emails to communicate with their employers and co-workers. Harassers may use an employee’s email to send unwanted emails. These emails could include explicit pictures or videos of people doing sexual acts or with threatening connotations. Online workers may not be able to easily stop unwanted emails, especially if the emails are coming from multiple sources or if the victim has to have constant communication from their harasser.
Cyberstalking
Many people post personal information on their social media accounts, such as pictures of family members or events. A harasser could find and stalk a victim’s social media account. This can lead to a harasser making threatening or suggested comments on social media posts. Cyberstalking can escalate to stalking, such as showing up at a victim’s home.
Employees may feel as if the harassment they are facing is following them wherever they go, and it can be when people carry their phones with them. Employees can take action against their harassers. Filing a harassment claim can stop harassers and protect victims from future harassment. Victims of workplace harassment can reach out for legal help to learn about their options.