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Differences between Overt and Covert Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment refers to any unwelcome behavior, actions, or comments that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. It can manifest in various forms, but two distinct categories of workplace harassment are overt and covert harassment.

Overt Workplace Harassment

Overt workplace harassment involves explicit and direct actions or behaviors that are easily identifiable as harassment. It includes physical or verbal abuse, offensive jokes, derogatory comments, threats, intimidation, or any other form of explicit discrimination. Overt harassment is often characterized by its visibility and can be witnessed by others in the workplace.

Examples of overt workplace harassment may include a supervisor making derogatory remarks about an employee’s race, gender, or sexual orientation, physically assaulting a coworker, or consistently assigning demeaning tasks to a specific individual based on discriminatory grounds.

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Covert Workplace Harassment

Covert workplace harassment, on the other hand, is more subtle and indirect in nature. It involves actions or behaviors that are not as easily recognizable as harassment, making it challenging to identify and address. Covert harassment often relies on implicit biases, microaggressions, or systemic discrimination.

Examples of covert workplace harassment may include exclusion from important meetings or decision-making processes, consistently being passed over for promotions or opportunities, receiving unfair performance evaluations, or being subjected to subtle forms of bullying or gossip.

Unlike overt harassment, covert harassment may not be witnessed by others or leave behind tangible evidence, making it harder for victims to prove or report. It can create a toxic work environment that erodes an individual’s self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.

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Addressing Workplace Harassment

Regardless of whether workplace harassment is overt or covert, it is crucial to address and eliminate it to foster a safe and inclusive work environment. Employers should establish clear policies against harassment, provide training to employees, and encourage open communication channels for reporting incidents.

Employees who experience workplace harassment, whether overt or covert, should document incidents, gather evidence if possible, and report the behavior to their supervisor, human resources department, or any designated authority within the organization. Seeking support from colleagues, unions, or legal professionals can also be beneficial in addressing and resolving workplace harassment.

By actively addressing and preventing both overt and covert workplace harassment, organizations can create a culture of respect, equality, and fairness, ensuring the well-being and productivity of their employees.

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