Virtual Sexual Harassment: Addressing Misconduct in Remote Workspaces

Sexual Harassment continues to be an issue for workers in the new work-from-home culture. The manner in which sexual harassment arises when we are working remotely is similar to what we find in any workplace. A misogynistic and sexist mindset often tends to reveal itself regardless of whether sitting across a table or interacting virtually. Despite working remotely, there is an increase in the reporting of sexual harassment complaints.

Cases reported due to harassment via a virtual medium have seen a sharp increase in the past two months. (social media, calls, WhatsApp messages, etc.) 

Complaints of inappropriate language over calls, uncomfortable comments on appearance and weight, personal comments on attire, forcing a colleague to turn on their camera, etc., have made several colleagues very uncomfortable.

Extended Workplace:

An employee’s home has become an extended workplace since the lockdown.

The definition of workplace is not limited to the physical office and in-person harassment; it extends to the virtual world and anywhere an employee visits or works from as a consequence of their employment. Hence, the home is considered a workplace.

Outside of the workplace, online crimes against women, which include stalking and sending harassing and threatening mails/messages, creation of fake accounts, revenge porn contents, non-consensual sexual content, non-consensual image sharing, bullying, trolling, and online reputation damage cases, have also started surfacing.

Passing lewd comments, bullying, trolling, cyber flashing, sending unsolicited pictures of private parts, and disruptive communications have alarmingly risen in the past few months.

Here are some do’s and don’ts while working from home/online:

Don’ts:

1. Do not chat or engage in voice/video calls at odd hours.

2. Calling women employees at late hours and discussing personal matters or anything not related to work is not advisable. Work calls need to be scheduled during working hours, keeping in mind work-life balance.

3. Don't pass gender-biased/sexist comments.

4. Don’t use inappropriate language during calls with colleagues

5. Don't share inappropriate images, porn videos or sexiest jokes in professional groups or with colleagues.

Do’s

1. Please dress appropriately for VC’s and ensure the background is free from any form of obscenity, etc.

2. Please ensure your gestures/body language are professional

3. Before calling a colleague during late hours, drop a message seeking their convenience.

4. Always respond to work-related emails via a professional platform/s provided by the organization as opposed to Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc.

5. Treat others as you would like to be treated

6. Consider attaching a cover over your phone/laptop camera for privacy

If you are facing any form of harassment in the workplace, please do reach out to your IC members.

Sonal Mattoo

Advocate

Helping Hands