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Greetings, VA Nation!
In this issue of the Monthly Harassment Prevention Bulletin, you will find:
- Part Four of the multi-part series on Subtle Workplace Harassment;
- an archive of past topics and resources from the Subtle Workplace Harassment series to review as a refresher; and
- information on how to register for VA Handbook 5979 training.
Please continue to share this bulletin with your colleagues. Together, we can prevent harassment at the VA!
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Subtle Workplace Harassment - Part Four
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Some examples of workplace harassment are so clear that there’s no question in anyone’s mind that harassment is taking place. Demanding a massage from an employee in a breakroom, for example, is one.
However, many people are genuinely surprised that other, more subtle forms of harassment also qualify.
Harassment doesn’t have to include harsh words or gestures exchanged directly. More insidious forms of harassment can include things like pinning offensive images up in a cubicle or consistently getting too physically close to a colleague.
The official, legal definition of harassment varies by state and sometimes by context. Regardless of legality or subtlety, harassment is a serious threat to VA. It corrodes the culture by creating an unwelcoming work environment. It brings plenty of other ill-effects, including lost productivity, high turnover and increased legal risk.
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Threatening or alienating your colleagues doesn’t require the use of epithets or voicing stereotypes.
Negative body language such as rolled eyes, cutting glances, grimaces, crossed arms and shaking heads count as well. This can especially be the case when such body language is consistently directed towards certain employees or groups of employees. The effects of these types of nonverbal behaviors are toxic, regardless of whether they cross a legal line.
Nonverbal harassment can be more subtle than claims that make the news (e.g., sexual demands, job threats). This makes nonverbal harassment trickier to address. However, it can be done. Leaders simply have to buy in and agree to identify the specific nonverbal behaviors that are hurting company culture, then make an effort to ensure their whole team feels empowered to address the behaviors each time they arise.
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The last few bulletins covered important topics as part of the Subtle Workplace Harassment multi-series. Catch up on past issues or revisit resources as a refresher!
Bulletins
Resources
Beginning next month, the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion (ORMDI) will host virtual training sessions for VA Handbook 5979. The class is titled, "Overview of VA Handbook 5979 - Harassment Prevention Program Procedures."
Classes will take place monthly from July 20th to December 21st at 12 p.m. EST. Executives, managers, and supervisors are encouraged to attend. Search for course item number 4627175 in TMS, and choose a date and time to register.
Please contact Larry Holman with any questions.
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During FY22, the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion (ORMDI) will host monthly virtual learning events titled, "Overview of the Harassment Prevention Program (HPP)."
Classes are scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST and 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EST. All employees and supervisors are welcome. Search for course item number 4563938 in TMS, and choose a date and time to register.
Please contact Ronald McCullough with any questions.
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Report harassing conduct to your immediate supervisor (or second-line supervisor if the first-line supervisor is the alleged harasser); your facility's Harassment Prevention Coordinator (HPC); or the ORMDI HPP office at
1-888-56-NEW VA (1-888-566-3982) | Option # 3 |
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Office of Resolution Management Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI)
1575 I Street NW Washington DC 20005
202-461-4064 / www.va.gov/ormdi
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