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Behaviour at the workplace can make or break an employee's career. It has the potential to wreck relationships, affect productivity and even affect the employer's own standing. Every year there are reports of cases of severe sexual harassment in the office, as well as other systemic problems with poor performance, absenteeism and tardiness. Even the smallest minority of bad behaviours can seem overwhelming and totally disproportionate to a company's efforts. Behaviour at work can sometimes be difficult to understand or control but there are some common situations that often lead to arguments, problems and, in very worst case scenarios, unlawful behaviour.

Harassment: Harassment at the workplace is a huge problem that affects both employees and employers. Examples of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace may include: unwelcome sexual advances, making repeated requests for sexual favours, remarks about a person's appearance, or persistent touching, or physical violence. Bullying - making threats of violence against another person, including sexual abuse, or making deliberately malicious comments about someone. Unfair dismissal - being unfairly dismissed from your position for something you did not do. Quid pro quo harassment - behaving in a manner which shows your employer that they have more control than you do.

Intimidation: The mere idea of someone doing something to you on purpose is terrifying. It takes courage and strength to do that sort of thing in fear, let alone do it in the workplace. If you feel intimidated at work, or your colleagues or your manager seem to have low regard for you, it can have serious consequences. If a colleague starts to gossip behind your back or follows you around or suggests that you 'look nice today' in order to get your attention, this could be behaviour you want to avoid at all costs. Feeling fearful and powerless about speaking up can often increase stress and make the situation worse.

Dishonest behaviour: If you are the victim of an honest and forthright colleague who behaved badly and you complain, you could end up in a disciplinary hearing with your employer. He or she could be suspended or lose their job. You could also find that you are the subject of a disciplinary notice for something you did not do. A lot of companies have formal complaints procedures in place, where you can raise a dispute before it goes any further. However, it can be hard to know where to begin if you feel you have been treated unfairly because you think you have a case.

Harassment: The harassment is different to other behaviour problems as it targets an individual rather than a group. Some ways of treating harassment include making a colleague suffer through sexual advances or sexual innuendo. Others include physical touching, making use of sexual images in a professional or personal capacity, or blatantly asking a colleague questions in a sexual way.

Bullying: This is a more common problem in the work force and unfortunately it takes many forms. It can take many forms such as making jokes about another person's race, disability, sexuality, appearance, etc. It can also take the form of racial discrimination. People may use inappropriate language or gestures, ridicule another person, or even create physical confrontations that result in someone quitting their job. In some extreme cases bullying can result in violence.

There are ways to deal with inappropriate behaviour at the workplace without having to go to the extreme of leaving the organisation altogether. A majority of employers have formal reprimands and rules in place to help staff members to identify and tackle unacceptable behaviour. These can be found on the company handbook or can be followed elsewhere. Providing a safe working environment is important for all staff.

If you feel there is harassment going on at your workplace, then it is time to step up and report it. Your colleagues may feel isolated and unable to do anything about it if they are too scared. It could be an internal problem within the company or an external incident. Whatever the reason, you must report the matter to your supervisor or someone higher up. This will ensure no action is taken against you.


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