Badgered at Work?

What is Harassment at Work?

Many people experience unpleasant treatment at work at the hands of their managers and fellow colleagues at some time during their working career. Sometimes this activity deeply affects individuals and it can cause them unnecessary stress at work.

There is no true legal definition for harassment, though there are several brief guidelines which are as follows:

• The course of conduct was directed at the Claimant

The harassment must have been towards the actual individual raising the grievance. For example: a manager targeting his or her secretary.

• The harassment occurred on at least two occasions

It must be a recurring event – meaning that it has happened more than once, such as a particular type of unpleasant behaviour.

• The conduct was calculated in an objective sense to cause alarm or distress

The incident was clearly designed to hurt the person being targeted, with the intention of causing upset.

• The conduct was oppressive and unreasonable

Meaning that it would be deemed ‘out of order’ and not in any way acceptable in a working or social environment.

In order to pursue a claim, the misconduct must have been reported to your employer to allow them the opportunity to act. Should you be dissatisfied with their response or no action is taken at all, then is the time to take your matter for legal examination.

What is Stress at Work?

Stress at work, or work-related stress, is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other demands placed on them.’

In its manifestation, stress is not an illness – it is a natural human reaction, but if this reaction is prolonged over a long period of time it can lead to a significant impact on someone’s mental health.

Employers have a legal obligation to take measures to support both the physical and mental wellbeing of staff.