Workplace stalking

Workplace stalking is repeated and unwanted contact that makes the object of it feel fearful or distressed. It can be difficult to identify and distinguish from other victimisations. Targets of workplace stalking may not use the word “stalking” or even express fear. They may instead use terms such as “harassment”, “bullying”, “discrimination”, etc. Normally, harassment results in a hostile environment making workers annoyed, frustrated, upset, angry, and/or disrespected whereas stalking victims feel fear and/or emotional distress. When a worker feels (or could reasonably feel) unsafe, frightened, or like they cannot live a normal life due to the pattern of behaviour, then that is stalking. This presentation will discuss workplace stalking in more depth, summarising the various types, consider the various behaviours engaged in by stalkers in the workplace, and present the audience with some practical strategies to respond to this phenomenon appropriately and effectively.