The problem: Apparently, working from home has made some people forget their workplace guardrails. In two surprising studies, the unexpected downside to remote work is an increase in harassment, especially acts based on gender, race and sexual identity. How is that possible? With the line between work and home blurred, casual remarks can open up information and then inappropriate responses. Who you live with, what your space looks like, even what you are wearing can be commented on in isolation with co-workers or clients on Zoom. Some people will type or say things in the remote work environment that they would not say in a workplace setting. Increased anxiety has not helped this situation either.
What to do:
- Reinforce your current rules and policies. Most likely, you have clear rules and expectations for the workplace: remind employees that these work rules apply regardless of where employees are working from or how they are communicating. Dust off the sexual harassment and anti-discrimination policies and send them around.
- Company-wide training: Taking the time to train all employees together–include managers— shows the importance of this issue, and that the same rules apply from the top down.
- By-stander training: As part of the training, illustrate bystander techniques to stop harassment as it is occurring. Also, encourage employees to report instances of harassment whether they are a victim or a by-stander.
- Establish video call rules: Require employees to be at a table or desk–not sprawled on a couch or bed. Inform employees that calls can be monitored and recorded to be reviewed by management.
We have resources to assist you in preventing harassment in any work environment. Contact us. We can help.