Posted: August 1st, 2023

Workplace Employment Law

Workplace Employment Law
Name
Institution

Stalking in the workplace
Introduction
Stalking refers to a repeated and an unwanted and unwarranted continued attention and contact from the perpetrator to the victim that leaves the victim feeling afraid and distressed. This normally occurs when the perpetrator is fixated or obsessed with the victim. Stalking in the workplace can originate from multiple different contexts, encompassing staff stalking co-workers, clients stalking staff, and clients stalking other clients.
Occupational damage
Stalking in the place of work can have a damaging effect on work performance not only for the victim, but also those they work with. As such, the workplace can be impacted in several ways. One such way is through time off work. Some victims may be forced to go to sick leave due to psychological issues resulting from the stalking, others may fear leaving the house, and others avoid going to work altogether if the stalker is a co-worker (Morewitz, 2007). Another way is through the deteriorating work performance and relations. A victim may be unable to pay attention on work when present, experience difficulties catching up after missed days, and tension in the workplace arising from claims made against the victim that they have somehow encouraged the stalker or are overreacting.
Laws on stalking
Stalking is a criminal offense, and is normally referred to as criminal harassment. Therefore, a victim of stalking can file charges against the perpetrator, and have him/her arrested. Title VII also protects workers from harassment. In particular, Title VII requires employers to protect employees from harassment by other employees and clients (Boland, 2015). In this regard, a worker may seek legal redress if they feel this right is violated.

Conclusion
Evidently, stalking in the workplace can have detrimental effects on the victim. The victim can develop psychological problems, skip work, and experience difficulties performing their duties effectively. The good thing is that the law protects the victims of stalking, and as such, they can seek legal help before the stalker harms them further.

References
Boland, M. L. (2015). Sexual harassment in the workplace. SphinxLegal.
Morewitz, S. J. (2007). Stalking and violence: New patterns of trauma and obsession. Springer Science & Business Media.

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