The recent shift to a more digital modern workspace has solved several problems associated with the older format of physical and entirely in-person work that persisted before. At the same time, however, it also created new problems and allowed some old problems to persist.
The problem of harassment is an age-old one that has continued into the new era of the workforce. However, it often takes unique forms in the current workplace that some may not know to expect.
Ostracizing through chats
The New York Times goes into detail about harassment specific to digital workplaces. Many workers complain about the existence of private “slam” chats. These chats take advantage of the fact that you can have private group messages on many communication platforms, which allows some workers to band together and negatively discuss colleagues without the target in question ever knowing about it.
This often boils over into hostile interactions with the target in other places, too. For example, they may feel snubbed or iced out even in group conversations or video call conferences. It can easily create an environment that makes it difficult for an employee to continue working.
The continuation of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment also continues on into the modern workplace. Many harassers take advantage of photo sending and video features in order to send inappropriate pictures or expose themselves on camera to victims.
The upside to this is that it is easier than ever to keep track of instances of harassment. Digital trails are harder to erase and easier to capture and file, so victims who intend to take their cases to court have more options.
