Unconscious bias and microaggressions that are based on someone's race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, worldview or other characteristics can negatively impact recruiting and retention and DEI, cause employee health problems and burnout — and, if left unchecked, lead to unlawful harassment. (Credit: B-D-S Piotr Marcinski/Shutterstock) Unconscious bias and microaggressions that are based on someone's race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, worldview or other characteristics can negatively impact recruiting and retention and DEI, cause employee health problems and burnout — and, if left unchecked, lead to unlawful harassment. (Credit: B-D-S Piotr Marcinski/Shutterstock)

Amid a global pandemic and the Great Resignation, creating a safe and healthy work environment has never been more important. Whether employees are returning to the workplace full-time or remaining in a remote/hybrid model, providing a work environment that is free of harassment can help organizations compete for and retain talent, improve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), foster a sense of belonging and psychological safety — and avoid costly claims.

Unfortunately, workplace harassment remains a pervasive problem. A recent survey of full-time US employees found that 44% have experienced harassment in their workplace, with 34% reporting they left a job in the past because of harassment issues. The virtual workplace isn't immune — nearly 38% of the respondents said they have experienced harassment through email, video conferencing, chat apps or by phone. Further, 24% believe that harassment continues or worsens through these remote channels.

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