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The Shocking Truth about Workplace Harassment and Bullying

  • 22nd February 2022
  • Investing in Women
  • 3 mins read
The Shocking Truth about Workplace Harassment and Bullying featured image

Too many people have suffered from bullying and harassment in the workplace, with consequences that can last for years after the bullying behaviour stops. Victims of workplace harassment are more likely to leave their employer than their perpetrator is, and they may suffer from mental distress, PTSD-like symptoms, and even suicidal ideation. All of this isn’t hearsay; it’s proven by data. 

Marie Hemingway is a physician who volunteers with Speak Out Revolution, an award-winning nonprofit that tackles workplace harassment. Speak Out Revolution brings a data-driven approach to stamping out harassment, breaking down incidents of harassment by industry and by characteristics such as ageism, sexism, race and sexuality. 

In this enlightening talk, Marie reveals some shocking statistics about workplace bullying and how the system still protects perpetrators more than victims. She advises on how to recognise if you’re a victim of workplace harassment, what to do if you’re offered an NDA, better ways to stop bullying than going to your manager and what managers can do to foster a better workplace environment. 

This is a really hard-hitting discussion, with a lot of helpful advice and insights into workplace bullying. If you or someone you know is experiencing workplace harassment, share this video with them to provide the resources and confidence to push back.

Timestamps

[1:46] Marie introduces the mission of Speak Out Revolution

[3:50] How Marie got into volunteering for Speak Out Revolution

[6:23] Marie’s personal connection to the cause of workplace harassment

[7:26] Where’s the line between humour and harassment in the workplace? 

[9:30] Marie explains why more people don’t speak out

[11:23] Prevention is better than a cure, but there are still ways that you can combat harassment and difficult behaviour on the spot

[13:48] How to recognise that you’re a victim of workplace harassment, and what to do next

[16:23] What actually is gaslighting? Marie gives examples and consequences of experiencing gaslighting behaviour

[21:18] Marie unpacks the risks of the current system of the formal reporting process 

[24:48] A better strategy to tackle harassment

[26:45] NDAs and the gender pay gap

[28:23] Questions from viewers: Mediation, retaliation, reporting structures

[32:10] “I don’t know whether regulation would help”: Marie’s take on the idea of introducing stricter laws around workplace harassment

[33:30] The disadvantages of signing an NDA

[37:58] Can Glassdoor be a tool to combat workplace harassment? Maybe, but maybe not

[39:24] The legal timeframe in which you can report harassment 

[41:08] Marie discusses famous examples of legal cases with NDAs

[42:24] How long do the impacts of workplace harassment last? 

[43:22] “Seek legal advice”: What to do if you’re being pressured into signing an NDA

[44:43] Speak Out Revolution’s advice to managers to stamp out toxic behaviour in the workplace

[46:56] Men and workplace harassment: Are we doing enough to ensure everybody’s rights are protected by law? 

[48:04] Where to go to find out more about Marie and Speak Out Revolution

Links

Speak Out Revolution site

Speak Out Revolution on LinkedIn

Speak Out Revolution on Facebook

Speak Out Revolution on YouTube

Marie Hemingway on LinkedIn

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