Virtual Harassment Rampant in Virtual Workplaces

Virtual workplaces are now becoming an integral part of corporate life, thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown. The corporate world has eased into the new frames almost overnight, learning how to ‘keep the lights on’ with a virtual workforce. There are some teething troubles in the virtual workplaces such as data privacy and cyber security, companies are quick to identify and address them. 

 But, what about workplace safety and conduct while working from home?

Yes, the POSH Act is there to ensure the rights of employees against any sexual harassment at the workplace. The POSH policy was enacted to ensure safe working spaces including work-related offsite, office party, get together, social media groups for both men and women. 

Here the question arises whether this act becomes applicable when it comes to the virtual world or not? 

As per reports, there is a sudden increase in the virtual harassment cases in the COVID-19 lockdowns as the physical workplaces have turned into virtual ones. HR leaders have to grapple with the increasing cases of virtual harassment. 

Let’s take deeper dig to understand what virtual harassment is and how to deal with it?

Virtual Harassment

Thanks to digital devices, social media, and messaging apps, we can have the whole world in our pocket but these platforms have made it easier for the sexual harassers to prey on their sexual harassment victims.

In virtual harassment category: 

• Victims receive emails, calls, text messages, videos that contain explicit words or photos 

• The victim receives unwanted materials and content including comments or rumors about victims' sexuality and sexual activities.

• Sharing of sexually explicit photos of the victim without his or her consent

How to Deal With Virtual Harassment?

It is important to deal with virtual harassment to ensure virtual workplaces as safe and free of intended and unintended as the physical workplaces. 

To deal with virtual harassment companies any employees consider following pointers to ensure a safe working environment while working from home:

• While attending video conferencing there must be proper dress code to follow to avoid inappropriate dressing of some employees.

• Employees and employers should not be allowed to do video conferencing from the comfort of their bedrooms as it may cause considerable discomfort to many.

• While virtual meetings participants were privy to the wall posters or other wall hanging stuff with proactive content.

• There should be proper sensation training for the employees including men and women

• Companies should have a redress mechanism to ensure safe and free virtual working.