Many people believe that it is important to not take work home with them. In other words, once the workday is over, workers should not have to feel the need to continue thinking about or doing work once they get home. However, work can follow employees home in one of the worst ways possible: online harassment.
Online harassment is a fairly recent issue, and it is possibly growing with more people working from home. A co-worker or employer could be harassing an individual, which can make them feel unsafe at all hours of the day. There are a few ways workers may face online harassment. Here is what you should know:
Digital stalking
An employee could be followed home by a co-worker. This would be a form of stalking. However, a co-worker could also stalk someone online. This could happen if this co-worker followed a victim’s social media accounts on several different platforms, made inappropriate or aggressive comments on social media posts or found personal information on a victim using data collecting sites.
Off-the-clock requests
An employee may be called or texted by their employer or co-worker at odd hours of the day. These calls and texts could intrude on the victim’s personal life. These calls and texts may also become aggressive over time.
Unwanted videos and pictures
Online harassment could come in the form of inappropriate, unwanted videos and pictures. These pictures and videos may involve nudity, sexual acts, acts of violence or unwarranted suggestive behavior.
Employees who are facing online harassment from a co-worker or employer can make a harassment claim. Victims should consider saving any evidence of harassment, such as pictures, text conversations, voicemails or emails. Guidance is available to help victims of online harassment learn about their legal options.