Cyber Harassment in the Workplace: A Growing Concern
Cyber harassment is a serious problem, especially when it happens at work. While online harassment is not new to Tennessee workplaces, it is rising as more employers shift to remote work settings. According to a recent Workplace Bullying Institute survey, over 61 percent of U.S. remote workers reported workplace bullying, most frequently in virtual meetings.
Electronic harassment is never OK. If you are being victimized at work, a Tennessee cyber harassment lawyer can help you understand your rights.
Understanding Cyber Harassment
Cyber harassment refers to the use of the Internet to harass, humiliate, embarrass, disparage, intimidate, manipulate, or control another person. It is also against the law in Tennessee. Cyber harassment can occur through various media online, including:
- Emails
- Social media posts
- Websites created to target one individual
- Collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams
Typical forms of cyber harassment include:
- Threatening another person or making a communication that a person would reasonably perceive as a threat
- Sending online messages that annoy, offend, or alarm someone
- Posting images intended to harass, humiliate, or disparage another person
Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or actions that serve a legitimate purpose.
The Impact on Tennessee Employees
Cyber harassment from co-workers or supervisors can cause an employee to suffer from anxiety, depression, or even suicidal ideation. A sense of isolation can compound these feelings if the employee reports the cyber harassment to co-workers or supervisors and the employer does nothing to address it.
Cyber harassment at work can also negatively affect productivity and workplace morale. Workers who become the targets of cyber harassment may experience a steep drop in productivity as anxiety and stress reduce their energy at work or cause them to take time off work to avoid further harassment. It can also lead to unfair disciplinary actions or loss of opportunities the employee would otherwise have been eligible to receive.
Legal Implications for Tennessee Employers
The Tennessee Human Rights Act requires most employers to provide employees with a work environment free of harassment based on a worker’s race, color, national origin, age, gender, pregnancy status, religion, disability, or veteran status. To that end, employers must investigate all complaints of workplace cyber harassment and take proactive steps to prevent harassment in the first place. One way to do this is by creating policies that clearly define what types of behavior constitutes cyber harassment and what avenues workers have to report the behavior.
You also have legal rights as a victim. If your employer fails to take action after you report electronic harassment, talk to a cyber harassment lawyer to learn your options.
Steps to Take If You Experience Cyber Harassment in Tennessee
If you experience cyber harassment at work, you must meet several qualifications, including:
- Working for a company with eight or more employees
- Falling within a protected class as defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Making your allegation within 180 days unless it is a continuing case of cyber harassment
- Suffering an adverse employment consequence from the behavior, such as losing a job opportunity or being demoted
If you qualify, you should Consult a Tennessee cyber harassment attorney to learn whether you can file a complaint with the state Human Rights Commission. In the meantime:
- Report the Internet harassment to your supervisor, HR representative, or company manager.
- Document all incidents of harassment by making copies of any offending emails, text messages, or social media posts.
- Keep copies of correspondence related to your internal complaint.
- Keep records of any time you took off work due to cyber harassment and healthcare expenses you incur to treat anxiety or depression.
At the Employment and Commerce Law Group, we can also discuss the possibility of filing a civil lawsuit demanding compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.
