Workplace Harassment: It Doesn’t Stop at the Office Door
“Harassment doesn’t stop at the office door — it can happen over drinks, on business trips, or even in virtual meetings. Does your policy cover it?”
Harassment doesn’t only happen at the office. We’ve seen cases arise at after-work drinks, on business trips, and even during virtual meetings. The truth is: if the behaviour affects your employees, it can—and should—fall under your workplace anti-harassment policy.
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that misconduct “doesn’t count” if it happens outside office hours or offsite. In reality, well-drafted policies make clear that inappropriate behaviour, whether in person, online, or after hours, is unacceptable if it impacts staff wellbeing.
This clarity matters now more than ever. Remote and hybrid work may reduce physical incidents, but harassment can easily take place over email, messaging apps, or in virtual meetings. Employees need to know their company will still step in and support them, wherever misconduct occurs.
Finally, with fewer casual check-ins at the office, don’t forget to make reporting channels clear. Make sure your people know exactly who to contact if they experience or witness harassment.
At WorkWell Associates, we help organisations review and strengthen their anti-harassment policies, deliver engaging training, and ensure staff know where to turn when they need support.
