Workplace Harassment is a Systemic Issue.

We’re sharing our recent newsletter on workplace harassment in honour of #MentalHealthWeek.

Trigger warning: workplace harassment and abuse.

Over the past year we've seen the beginning of a deeper and (more) public reckoning of toxic work cultures. In fact it's one of the reasons we started Anti-Heroine Media in the first place. From popular publications (we're looking at you Bon Appetit) to well known global non-profits and human rights organizations — no one is immune to harmful work practices.

We saw a similar process take place with the #MeToo (originally founded by Tarana Burke in 2006) and Time's Up movements. Starting with allegations against convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein, and expanding to other terrible men who used their power to exploit, harass and abuse the people (largely women) who worked for them, the activism at the heart of each of these movements is tied to creating a more equitable and just world for everyone — and particularly for those made vulnerable in the workplace. And it is, of course, an intersectional issue.

Harassment can take many forms, but it's never ever excusable. Feminist workplaces must not tolerate or normalize workplace bullying or harassment of any kind. And they must understand that employees, based on the intersections of their identities, will be impacted differently.

Unfortunately, this issue is especially prevalent in social justice organizations, where the work itself is often used to justify harmful behaviour. There is never a good enough reason to make a person feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or small. And no matter how important the work is, it is never worth risking the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the folks doing it. 

In a traditional patriarchal and hierarchical structure, the employees at the bottom (already the most vulnerable and marginalized) bear the brunt of harm. If organizations are large enough to have a human resources department, they are often employed to protect the organization itself rather than the people who work there. Here's the thing: systemic issues can't be solved with an individualistic approach. And it should never be the onus of the person being harmed to resolve the conflict. It's hard to even know where to start. 

This week we're providing resources for those who are dealing with harassment at work, which has, in many cases, been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is nowhere near enough, but we hope it will provide some support to those who need it: 

Document everything: This can be an incredibly painful process, but the more evidence you have of the behaviour that is taking place the stronger your case will be. Save emails, record zoom conversations, and store them in a secure place.

Power in numbers: It's not always possible to report cases of harassment when the organization you work for does not have policies in place or avenues to do so. And in many cases the harasser is in a position of power with no accountability mechanisms. If you feel safe to do so, tell your coworkers. Work collectively. Unionize.

Self-care: Above all, your mental and physical wellbeing is paramount. Harassment is traumatic. Unfortunately we do not, as a society, have enough affordable options for mental health care. Here is one free option set up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cities also have social service organizations that offer free walk-in clinics. Self-care looks different for everyone, and this is just one route you can take.

Know your rights: Workplace harassment is illegal and there are legal avenues that you can take to address it. These solutions are incomplete and often put the onus on the person who has been harmed, but this is one other route folks can take if they feel up to it.

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