Dealing with harassing emails can be a really tough situation, and it’s something that many people unfortunately have to face at some point. This article is here to help you navigate the tricky waters of workplace harassment and figure out What Can I Do Regarding Harrassing Emails. We’ll break down the steps you can take, from documenting the emails to knowing when to involve HR or even legal professionals. Let’s get started!
Recognizing and Documenting Harassment
The first thing to do is to recognize what constitutes harassment. It’s not always obvious, and it can sometimes start subtly. Harassment includes any unwelcome conduct based on things like your race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability that creates a hostile work environment. This could mean offensive jokes, insults, or threats sent via email. It’s super important to document everything from the get-go; that’s how you’ll build a case if you need to take further action.
Here’s a simple guide to help you document the emails:
- Save the Emails: Don’t delete anything! Save all the harassing emails in a separate folder. Make sure they include the date, time, sender, and the full content.
- Take Screenshots: If possible, take screenshots of the emails as another way to preserve the evidence. This is especially helpful if the email is deleted later.
- Note the Impact: Write down how the emails make you feel. Did they make you anxious, scared, or uncomfortable? Note the dates and times, as well as the details of the email’s content.
Keep in mind that you might also have other kinds of actions to take, such as:
- Talk to the sender and let them know their emails are unwelcome and need to stop.
- Report it to your supervisor
- If the supervisor isn’t helpful, report it to HR
Email Example: Offensive Jokes Based on Race
Subject: FW: Just for Laughs!
From: [Sender’s Email]
To: [Recipient’s Email]
Date: [Date]
Body:
Hey, check out this joke! [Offensive joke based on race]. Thought you might get a kick out of it!
Email Example: Repeated Unwanted Advances
Subject: Thinking of You
From: [Sender’s Email]
To: [Recipient’s Email]
Date: [Date]
Body:
Hey, hope you’re having a good day. I was just thinking about you and wanted to see if you’d like to grab dinner sometime. Let me know!
Email Example: Exclusion and Bullying
Subject: Team Lunch
From: [Sender’s Email]
To: [Other Team Members’ Emails]
Date: [Date]
Body:
Hey everyone, let’s meet up for lunch at [Restaurant Name] this Friday at noon. See you there!
Email Example: Threats or Intimidation
Subject: Re: Your Performance
From: [Sender’s Email]
To: [Recipient’s Email]
Date: [Date]
Body:
I’m not happy with your work lately. If things don’t improve soon, you’ll regret it.
Email Example: Comments on Physical Appearance
Subject: Quick Question
From: [Sender’s Email]
To: [Recipient’s Email]
Date: [Date]
Body:
You looked great in that outfit today! Just wanted to let you know. ;)
Email Example: Sharing of Sexually Explicit Material
Subject: Funny!
From: [Sender’s Email]
To: [Recipient’s Email]
Date: [Date]
Body:
Hey, check this out! [Link to sexually explicit image or video]. Thought you might enjoy it.
In conclusion, dealing with harassing emails can be incredibly challenging. By understanding what constitutes harassment, documenting the incidents, and knowing your options, you can take steps to protect yourself and ensure a safer work environment. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available from HR, supervisors, or legal professionals. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance and take action to stop the harassment and protect your well-being.