HARASSMENT

Harassment can be thought of as any behaviour that demeans, embarrasses, humiliates, annoys, alarms or verbally abuses a person and that is known or would be expected to be unwelcome. These behaviours include words, gestures, intimidation, bullying, or other inappropriate activities. Generally speaking, any action or behaviour – from rumours, swearing, verbal abuse, pranks, arguments, property damage, vandalism, sabotage, pushing, theft, physical assaults, psychological trauma, anger-related incidents, rape, arson to murder – are all examples of workplace violence and/or harassment.

a) Threatening behaviour – such as shaking fists, destroying property or throwing objects.
b) Verbal or written threats – any expression of an intent to inflict harm.
c) Verbal abuse – swearing, insults or condescending language.
d) Physical attacks – hitting, shoving, pushing or kicking.

Verbal:
a) Crying, sulking or temper tantrums.
b) Excessive absenteeism or lateness.
c) Pushing the limits of acceptable conduct or disregarding the health and safety of others.
d) Disrespect for authority.
e) Increased mistakes or errors, or unsatisfactory work quality.
f) Refusal to acknowledge job performance problems.
g) Faulty decision making
h) Testing the limits to see what they can get away with
i) Swearing or emotional language
j) Handles criticism poorly.
k) Making inappropriate statements.
l) Forgetfulness, confusion, or distraction.
m) Inability to focus.
n) Blaming others for mistakes.
o) Complaints of unfair personal treatment.
p) Talking about the same problems repeatedly without resolving them.
q) Insistence that they are always right.
r) Misinterpretation of communications from supervisors or co-workers.
s) Social isolation.
t) Poor personal hygiene.
u) Sudden and/or unpredictable change in energy level.
v) Complaints of unusual and/or non-specific illnesses.
w) Holds grudges, especially against his or her supervisor. Verbalizes hope that something negative will happen to the person against whom they have the grudge.
Non-verbal signs or body language. a) Flushed or pale face. b) Sweating. c) Pacing, restless, or repetitive movements. d) Signs of extreme fatigue (e.g., dark circles under the eyes). e) Trembling or shaking. f) Clenched jaws or fists.
g) Exaggerated or violent gestures. h) Change in voice. i) Loud talking or chanting. j) Shallow, rapid breathing. k) Scowling, sneering or use of abusive language. l) Glaring or avoiding eye contact. m) Violating your personal space (they get too close).