Workplace harassment no longer happens only in offices, breakrooms and on job sites. Today, social media has become a common space where work-related harassment occurs—often outside of business hours and beyond company walls. When a colleague, supervisor or even a client uses social media to target, demean or intimidate someone they work with, it can be just as harmful as harassment that occurs in person.
Harassment on social media might include inappropriate messages, sexual advances through direct messaging, offensive public posts or memes or even exclusion from professional networking groups. In some cases, coworkers may tag an employee in jokes that are discriminatory or create group chats where one person is mocked or belittled. Though this behavior happens online, the effects are deeply personal and can follow a worker home, causing stress, anxiety and isolation.
This form of harassment may also blur personal and professional boundaries. A supervisor commenting on an employee’s appearance through private messages or coworkers sharing explicit or hostile content online can create a hostile work environment—even if the behavior technically occurs after hours. If the harasser is connected to the employee through work, and if the conduct affects the employee’s ability to feel safe or respected in their job, it may be considered workplace harassment.
What can be done?
Importantly, employers may be held responsible if they are aware of social media harassment and fail to take action. If an employee reports inappropriate online conduct and their employer dismisses the concern or retaliates, the company could be liable. Workers have the right to report harassment without fear of losing their jobs or being treated unfairly.
Social media may feel like a gray area, but if harassment occurring on social media impacts your job or creates a hostile environment, it becomes a workplace issue. You deserve respect in every part of your professional life—including online. No one should have to endure harassment, whether it’s at a desk or on a screen.