Workplace harassment is one of the most serious issues that can affect a company. This phenomenon not only has a negative impact on employees’ emotional and psychological well-being but also creates a toxic work environment, reduces productivity, and can even put the company’s reputation and legal stability at risk.

Preventing workplace harassment is, therefore, a priority for any company that aims to protect its staff and foster a safe and respectful work environment. In this post, we explore what workplace harassment is, how to prevent it, the legal consequences of failing to act, and how Adlanter can help your company comply with regulations and build a culture of respect.

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What is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment, also known as mobbing, refers to situations where an employee is repeatedly subjected to hostile, humiliating, or intimidating behavior by colleagues, superiors, or anyone in the workplace. This behavior can take various forms, such as:

🔹​  Insults and humiliation.

🔹​  Professional defamation or discrediting.

🔹​  ​Verbal or physical threats and intimidation.

🔹​  Social isolation or exclusion from work activities.

🔹​ Unjustified workload increases or degrading tasks.

Workplace harassment not only attacks an employee’s dignity and well-being but can also have severe consequences for the company, leading to decreased motivation, increased absenteeism, and employee turnover.

 

What Are the Legal Consequences of Workplace Harassment?

Law establishes that companies are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, which includes preventing workplace harassment. Failing to take appropriate measures can lead to serious legal consequences, such as:

🔹 Fines for not implementing prevention measures.

🔹 Lawsuits filed by affected employees.

🔹 Compensation payments to harassment victims.

🔹 Reputational damage that impacts the company’s image.

Additionally, the Law on Social Order Infractions and Sanctions classifies workplace and sexual harassment as a very serious offense, with economic penalties ranging from €7,501 to €225,018. These penalties apply whether harassment occurs directly in the workplace or if the company fails to adopt measures to prevent it.

 

How to Prevent Workplace Harassment?

Preventing workplace harassment is essential to ensure a safe and respectful work environment. Key actions include:

Establishing a Workplace Harassment Prevention Protocol

Companies must develop specific protocols for identifying and addressing harassment cases, ensuring employees are aware of reporting mechanisms that are both effective and confidential. Law requires companies to adopt specific measures to prevent sexual harassment and harassment based on gender.

Raising Awareness and Providing Training

Training on workplace harassment prevention should be mandatory for all employees, especially middle and senior management, who hold positions of power. Training should focus on identifying harassment behaviors, responding to complaints, and fostering a culture of respect.

Setting Up Confidential Internal Reporting Channels

It is crucial to provide employees with a confidential reporting channel where they can report workplace harassment incidents without fear of retaliation. This channel must be easily accessible and managed by trained and impartial personnel. Regular workplace climate surveys can also help detect harassment risks and internal tensions.

 

✅​ How Can Adlanter Help Prevent Workplace Harassment?

At Adlanter, we understand that workplace harassment prevention is essential for the health and success of your company. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Labor Compliance service, including the development and implementation of workplace harassment prevention policies and protocols.

✔️ Want to learn more? Contact us today!

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