For most, working from home is the new normal. If you have a family, the challenges of negotiating a quiet space and schedule for work, while balancing housework, cooking, and helping with online schooling for kids, can be quite overwhelming.

At least you don’t have to deal with sexual harassment from anyone in the office, right? 

Wrong. 

Unfortunately, social distancing does not prevent sexual harassment. 

In fact, online harassment is common. A 2018 study by the nonprofit Stop Street Harassment reported that around 41% of women experienced sexually harassment via text, phone, and the internet. 

Since Covid-19, reports indicate that there has been an unanticipated increase in complaints of up to 20%.

Examples of online harassment include, among others:

• Inappropriate comments, jokes, pictures, or gifs in emails, message chats, or text messages; 
• Sexual or discriminatory innuendo or comments during videoconferences;
• A male colleague displays inappropriate pictures in his background that make women on a work call uncomfortable; 
• Emails or texts requesting sexual favors; sexts or video chat exposures;
• Request for calls late at night for something that could have been addressed during regular working hours;
• Misogynist communications – speaking over someone; being talked down to in a demeaning, intimidating or disrespectful fashion; or bullying behavior;

Working from home can take on a more casual tone and a less strict dress code. This relaxation in formality can lead to decreased civility, professionalism, and sense of accountability on the part of the harasser.

Company messaging apps and access to personal phone numbers offer an opportunity for unsolicited and inappropriate communications the harasser might not make in person. He is more likely to hide behavior on certain platforms or small group messages which in many cases are not being monitored by the employer, making it easier to make inappropriate, discriminatory, or sexually charged comments or jokes. In many cases, there is a lack of in-person witnesses.

For the target, virtual harassment is often difficult to assess. Body language may not be as clear and the victim may second guess herself or make excuses for the behavior—maybe the harasser is just attempting to be empathetic or complimentary. It can be more difficult to draw the line on what is acceptable behavior and when body language on video calls or messaging is offensive or indecent.

In any case, if you are thinking about reporting the behavior, make sure you are documenting every communication and taking screenshots of any online messages and images you feel are not appropriate. Reach out to witnesses and ask if they might be available to support you if needed. Employer sexual harassment policies may not be clear that they apply while working at home and resources for monitoring online communications and filing complaints may be limited or non-existent—making it difficult for employees to ask for help. More importantly, in this volatile Covid-19 market, victims are less likely to complain for fear of losing their jobs. Many employees have been furloughed or terminated. If you complain, you may be labeled a troublemaker and risk your job security. 

Employers should make every effort to adapt to the challenging times of Covid-19 and extend anti-harassment, discrimination, bullying, and inclusion policies to online platforms.

Training should continue regularly on a virtual basis—using real world examples with interactive discussions on what constitutes online harassment, how to report inappropriate conduct as a victim or bystander, and review the process of how complaints are handled and resolved. Employers should emphasize that every employee from the top down must follow the company’s zero tolerance policies or face consequences, including potential termination;  provide multiple safe channels of reporting and monitor employee communications and videoconferencing regularly to check for inappropriate conduct; and hold supervisors accountable for inappropriate conduct.   

Finally, if you witness virtual sexual harassment, bullying, or discrimination, don’t be a bystander. Reach out to the person being harassed. Find out if they are ok and need any help reporting the behavior. Offer to be a witness. If you are comfortable doing so, say something to the violator. A simple “Hey, that is not cool,” or “Violating #MeToo Bro,” can make a difference, especially if coming from a male colleague. Men will listen to men. Stepping up in a difficult situation is showcasing your leadership skills. 

Although sexual harassment in the virtual world may present differently, it’s just as serious and harmful as any physical harassment and should be dealt with equal seriousness.

What will you do today to be #beupstanding and help #changetheculture for an environment without #sexualharassment, #abuse and #racism? #TimesUp. Let’s #playnice. For more info on this topic and other related issues, check out “Play Nice - Playground Rules for Respect in the Workplace,” and join us at www.thesandboxseries.com.