Women’s Day: How Hostile Workplaces Harm Women’s Health; What To Do About It?

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Every year, 8 March is observed as International Women's Day (IWD). A global day celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, Women's Day also marks the need for accelerating gender equality.

The theme for International Women's Day 2023 (IWD 2023) is, "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."

This Women's Day, let's examine one of the most common issues women face (amid the deluge of other problems) - workplace harassment.

Today's workplaces are filled with constant competition, high-stress environments, and unrealistic expectations. However, it is often difficult to recognise a hostile work environment, especially for those currently experiencing one [1].

These issues can lead to the development of a negative work environment in which employees may suffer a number of physical and mental health consequences if left unchecked.

Having a clear understanding of how hostile workplaces can negatively affect your mental health can protect you from workplace toxicity and ensure your overall well-being.

Statistically, women face more harassment in the workplace than men, and this article explores how hostile workplaces can harm women's health [2][3].

How Hostile Workplaces Harm Women's Health

According to studies, a hostile work environment affects women in the following ways:

• According to a survey, two-thirds of women feel excluded from social or networking opportunities because of their gender [4].
• According to research, discrimination, and sexual harassment harm women's careers, as well as their physical and mental well-being [5].
• There is a clear correlation between feelings of perceived sexism and feelings of poor mental health, poor perception of health, and unhealthy habits, such as smoking [6].
• There was also an association between sexual harassment and discrimination at work and nausea and headaches in women.
• As a result of a hostile work environment, many women report experiencing insomnia.

Hostile Work Environment And Worsening Mental Health

When individuals treat people differently based on their race, age, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation, hostile work environments can also develop. Discrimination of this type can result in employees feeling intimidated, scared, and uncomfortable at work, which can result in a fight-or-flight response, as well as a number of mental health conditions [7].

As a result of feeling unsafe, many people develop PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These conditions often lead to self-medication with drugs or alcohol, which can ultimately exacerbate the situation.

This Women's Day, let's all pledge not to be toxic co-workers and report toxic behaviour when you see it.

How To Deal With Workplace Harassment?

• In the event that the harassment does not involve physical violence, you should attempt to resolve the matter with the perpetrator directly. If the situation seems too dangerous to do so, it is imperative that you maintain your safety at all times. Approach them privately and explain why you feel you are being harassed [8].
• The issue should be escalated to your manager - unless, of course, your manager is responsible for the harassment.
• If the harassment cannot be resolved with the harasser, bring it to the attention of HR. You may provide evidence, including screenshots, texts, emails, and eyewitness accounts, to prove your claim.
• The best way to ensure everything is documented is to file complaints through your company's HR software.

On A Final Note...

Generally, employees do not thrive in hostile work environments. However, it is entirely possible to survive in such an environment. However, it is not possible to survive it for an extended period of time.

It is imperative that you practice self-care while developing an exit strategy if you are trapped in a hostile work environment otherwise you may succumb to hostility and either develop mental illness or become toxic yourself.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.