Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that affects individuals’ lives, both personally and professionally. The harm caused by office mistreatment, employee intimidation, and organizational bullying can be deep and enduring.
The journey to healing after workplace harassment is not only possible but necessary for reclaiming one’s life and confidence. Many victims of workplace bullying try to endure until… they can no more. Others leave and tell themself they are putting the experience behind them.
They don’t
The mental, physical and emotional pain from bullying continues to redirect them away from the happy life they hope for. Putting distance from the abusers is only part of a healthy solution. Given the long list of effects from bullying, working with a coach or therapist can help you regain confidence. A view of the residual challenges after workplace harassment are copied below.
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Understanding Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment takes various forms, from subtle toxic behavior to overt aggression. Early identification of the signs is essential in addressing the issue. Types of harassment include verbal abuse, intimidation, isolation, and undermining a person’s contributions. Victims often experience emotional distress, anxiety, and a decline in job performance.
Recognizing the signs of workplace harassment is the first step toward healing. Understand that you are not alone, and your experiences are valid. It doesn’t matter if someone else (particularly the abuser) denies their behavior or the hurtful implications. YOU are the receiver of their words or behaviors, and what matters is how YOU interpreted their messages.
It’s essential to understand the impact of workplace abuse that creates a traumatic and toxic environment.
Overcoming the Trauma
Coping with the aftermath of workplace harassment requires a combination of self-care and support. Coping strategies may include mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, to manage stress and anxiety.
Support from trusted friends, family, or colleagues can provide encouragement and emotional support. The work I do is a combination of stress and subconscious coaching, personalized guided meditation, and deeper subconscious retraining. These approaches are natural methods to build confidence and neutralize fears.
It’s critical that your form of support offers a safe space to explore emotions and develop coping mechanisms. Remember, healing after harassment is a progressive process, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Rebuilding Confidence
One of the most significant impacts of workplace harassment is the erosion of confidence. It is important enough that with my clients, our first session is confidence based, and every session afterward compounds and reinforces confident living. I’ve found starting with confidence creates change quickly, and the steady reinforcement helps clients stand strong amid future challenges.
Setting boundaries is crucial in preventing future instances of workplace mistreatment. Clearly communicate your expectations and limits to colleagues and superiors. Establishing a healthy work-life balance contributes to a positive self-image and reduces vulnerability to workplace aggression.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Advocating for change within the workplace is a powerful step toward creating a positive environment. Building supportive relationships with colleagues who share similar values fosters a sense of belonging and unity. Promoting inclusivity within the workplace contributes to a climate and culture that rejects harassment and values diversity.
It’s essential to communicate openly about workplace issues, encouraging a culture of transparency. Managers and leaders play a crucial role in addressing harassment and setting a precedent for respectful behavior. By actively taking part in initiatives that promote inclusivity, employees contribute to the transformation of the workplace.
Legal Protections
Understanding legal recourse and employee rights is vital in addressing workplace harassment. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):
“Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA).”
Title VII applies to organizations with 15 or more employees. Reporting harassment incidents to Human Resources (HR) and documenting the details can provide a foundation for any legal action. While workplace bullying may not have specific legal protections, many companies have formal HR policies against mistreatment, verbal abuse, and intimidation.
Consulting an attorney who specializes in employment law can provide guidance on available legal options. Recognize the distinction between bullying and harassment that targets protected classes, as the latter carries legal consequences. Knowledge of legal protections empowers individuals to navigate the complex landscape of workplace harassment.
Moving Forward
Moving forward after workplace harassment involves a career reassessment and exploration of new opportunities. Reflect on your career goals and values, and consider whether your current workplace aligns with them. If the environment remains toxic despite efforts to address the issue, exploring new opportunities becomes a viable option.
Embrace personal growth as a continuous journey. The skills and resilience developed through overcoming workplace harassment contribute to professional and personal development. Consider pursuing professional development opportunities, further education, or even a career change that aligns with your aspirations.
Empowering Survivors and Encouraging Transformation
Healing after workplace harassment is a multifaceted journey that requires time, self-reflection, and support. Empowering survivors to advocate for change and encouraging workplace transformation are crucial steps to create a culture that rejects harassment.
<b>Residual Struggles After Workplace Harassment</b>
Boundary Difficulties
Workplace harassment can blur personal and professional boundaries, making it challenging for individuals to establish and maintain healthy relationships, both at work and in their personal lives.
Depression
Individuals subjected to workplace harassment often experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities, leading to clinical depression. This can affect their overall well-being, hindering personal and professional growth.
Emotional Distress
Workplace harassment inflicts emotional distress, causing anxiety, fear, and discomfort. The ongoing psychological strain can impede one's ability to function optimally, impacting both personal and professional spheres.
Fear of Authority
Harassment may instill a profound fear of authority figures, hindering professional development and causing individuals to shy away from seeking help or reporting issues.
Fear of recurrence
The fear of experiencing harassment again can create a constant state of anxiety, influencing decision-making and perpetuating a cycle of emotional distress.
Future Career Challenges
Harassment's impact extends to professional life, affecting career performance, career advancement, and overall job satisfaction.
Guilt
Victims often carry an undeserved burden of guilt, blaming themselves for the harassment. This misplaced guilt can contribute to self-esteem issues and prolonged emotional suffering.
Low Self-Esteem
Persistent harassment erodes self-esteem, leading to a negative self-perception that can affect personal relationships, career progression, and overall life satisfaction.
Persistent Anxiety
The ongoing stress from workplace harassment contributes to persistent anxiety, adversely affecting mental and emotional well-being and potentially leading to more severe mental health conditions.
Physical Health Challenges
Prolonged exposure to workplace harassment can lead to physical health consequences, including headaches, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems, further exacerbating the overall impact on an individual's life.
Poor Family Dynamics
Workplace harassment can extend its reach to family life, causing strain on relationships and affecting the overall dynamics within the family unit.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Workplace harassment can trigger symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened emotional arousal. These manifestations can significantly disrupt daily life and functioning.
Shame
Victims often feel a profound sense of shame, impacting their self-worth and contributing to the emotional toll of harassment.
Social Isolation
Victims may withdraw socially to protect themselves, leading to isolation. This isolation can exacerbate mental health issues and hinder the development of healthy relationships.
Trust
Harassment can erode trust in colleagues and superiors, making it challenging to form new professional relationships and hindering collaboration.
Unhealthy Coping Habits
Individuals may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harm, as a way to manage the stress and emotional turmoil caused by harassment.
Some Thoughts About Overcoming
As individuals embark on the path to healing, it’s essential to recognize the strength gained through overcoming adversity. Remember, you deserve to work in an environment that values your contributions and respects your well-being. Prioritize self-care in your life, seek support, and actively take part in positive workplace initiatives. Survivors of workplace harassment can emerge stronger, resilient, and ready to embrace a future free from mistreatment.
A Source to Help You…
Anthony M. Davis is a Certified Leadership, Success and Stress Coach. He is a clinically trained Board Certified Hypnotherapist.
He has earned a national reputation for his Transformative Life Centering work with clients from across the nation. His unique approach helps clients remove underlying fears and triggers, and then, through coaching, helps them pursue and accomplish life and career goals.
He provides Coaching and Hypnotherapy sessions remotely through Zoom. If you have challenges and are ready to move past them, Contact him Here to create the life change you desire.
Some effects of workplace harassment listed above are medically-diagnosed issues. I am not a medical or mental health provider. I am a Board Certified Hypnotist trained through the American School of Clinical Hypnosis. I hold a Board Certification through the National Guild of Hypnotists. I ensure I work within the scope of my practice. In many cases, even if you are being seen by a medical professional, I can help you if I receive a medical referral. The work I do includes helping with fears, confidence and stress. Collectively, those methods are often helpful.
