How Does Professionalism & Harassment Connect?

A proper workplace offers a professional environment. An important element to professional environment includes respect. Workplace harassment, such as sexual harassment or race-based harassment, tarnishes an organization's ability to provide a professional environment by introducing disrespect into the workplace.

Effects

Workplace harassment hinders professionalism by creating ill feelings within the workplace atmosphere. Ill feelings created by workplace harassment, like prejudicial jokes or unwanted sexual advancements, include fear and anger.

Prevention/Solution

Managers can help establish a professional environment and prevent workplace harassment by providing written policies defining acceptable workplace behavior. Precautionary measures, such as installing video cameras and monitoring emails, may help ensure workers don't violate company policies. Policy violations should receive prompt reaction from supervisors and managers.

Warning

Supervisors and managers who fail to provide a professional environment by allowing workplace harassment to occur can face legal consequences, according to the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management. For example, a manager who ignores sexual harassment reports can encounter legal ramifications even if the manager didn't commit the harassment.

References

• American Bar Association: Communication Technology in the Workplace
• Fullerton College: Professionalism
• Virginia Department of Human Resource Management: Workplace Harassment