When the pandemic hit in 2020, companies quickly shifted to a remote workplace. Initially, some employees breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that workplace harassment they were experiencing would stop, and they could put their head down and do their work in peace. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Workplace harassment took on a different form in the new, virtual office. This week, we examine what virtual workplace harassment looks like and how best to address the growing problem.

The Workplace Went Virtual. The Harassment Stayed Real.

With the shift to the remote workplace, harassment did not disappear. It just changed. 38% of 800+ full-time employees polled in the US experienced harassment through email, video conferencing, chat apps, or by phone;  24% of American employees surveyed believe harassment continues or worsens on remote channels. Companies need to change how they address workplace harassment in this new norm. Learn ways to address virtual harassment before it becomes a serious problem.

Workplace Harassment in a Remote Office

What does workplace harassment in a remote office look like? It’s fairly easy to spot blatant forms of sexual harassment. However, it also looks more subtle in derogatory comments based on race, religion, gender, or other elements of diversity. It is rude or aggressive emails, inappropriate behavior on video conferences, messaging tools, or social media. Workplace bullying and harassment have always been there; it’s only been made worse through the shift to remote work. Learn how to spot virtual workplace harassment and what to do about it.

Workplace Misconduct is at an All Time High — and HR Doesn’t Know How to Fix It

The pandemic and the subsequent shift to a virtual work environment has played a pivotal role in the rise in behavioral misconduct, particularly sexual harassment with more than one in four employees saying they have experienced unwelcome sexual behavior online since the start of COVID-19, according to a recent report. Fifty-one percent of U.S. office workers have suffered from workplace misconduct, including bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, fraud, or bribery. More than a third of workers said they believe their organization would brush aside at least one form of workplace misconduct, and 30% of HR and compliance decision makers agreed that their organization would ignore an instance of misconduct if it was set to damage profits or reputation. So, what will it take to enact real change? A new perspective.

‘I’m Not Wearing Any Pants.’ What to Do About Virtual Harassment

Working from home for nearly two years has created a casual atmosphere that makes people more bold about engaging in unprofessional behavior. In the office, you would not drink alcohol at your desk or loudly talk negatively about your coworker for risk of being caught. But with no risk of being caught in the comfort of your own home, people are pushing past workplace boundaries. Harassment training needs to look different these days. Here are ways to proactively address virtual harassment.