Assédio moral: o que é e o que fazer? | Jornada

Summary

This transcript discusses the growing issue of moral harassment in Brazilian workplaces, highlighting its devastating effects on employees' mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. It explores personal experiences of victims, particularly in high-pressure environments like banking, and the lack of legal protections for workers facing harassment. The script emphasizes the responsibility of employers to foster a respectful work environment and the importance of reporting such incidents. With alarming statistics and personal accounts, the video calls for increased awareness, legal reform, and a cultural shift to prevent workplace bullying and support affected employees.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moral harassment in the workplace is a widespread issue in Brazil, with employees frequently reporting incidents through internal channels.
• 😀 72% of victims of moral harassment prefer to remain anonymous when reporting due to fear of retaliation and stigmatization.
• 😀 Moral harassment is not a single incident but a repetitive and systematic behavior aimed at belittling, destabilizing, or even forcing someone to quit their job.
• 😀 Personal testimonies highlight the severe emotional and psychological toll moral harassment takes on victims, including depression and low self-esteem.
• 😀 Victims of moral harassment often experience significant mental health issues, such as PTSD, burnout, and thoughts of suicide, as a direct result of their treatment at work.
• 😀 Despite the prevalence of moral harassment, there is still no specific law in Brazil to adequately punish those responsible for these actions.
• 😀 In 2018, over 56,000 legal cases related to moral harassment were filed in Brazilian labor courts, demonstrating the scale of the issue.
• 😀 The lack of proper workplace policies and laws in Brazil contributes to a culture of silence, where many workers are afraid to report the abuse they face.
• 😀 Companies often struggle to strike a balance between demanding high performance from employees and ensuring a respectful, non-abusive work environment.
• 😀 There is a need for better mental health support and well-being initiatives in companies, particularly in Latin America, where workers are most affected by moral harassment.

Q & A

What is considered moral harassment in the workplace?

Moral harassment is a systematic, repetitive behavior directed at an individual or group with the intention to demoralize, destabilize, or force someone to resign. It’s not just one isolated incident but rather a series of abusive actions.

How does moral harassment affect employees psychologically?

Moral harassment can lead to various psychological effects, such as depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. These impacts vary depending on the individual.

What are some of the consequences for employees experiencing moral harassment?

Employees experiencing moral harassment often face diminished self-esteem, mental health issues, and a decline in work productivity. In some severe cases, this can lead to attempts of suicide or a complete breakdown of emotional well-being.

How do victims of moral harassment typically react to the experience?

Victims of moral harassment may struggle with low self-esteem and emotional distress. Some may even begin to seek medical help, therapy, or medication. For many, the stress and emotional toll are overwhelming.

What is the role of employers and managers in preventing moral harassment?

Employers and managers should create an environment that discourages moral harassment by setting clear boundaries for acceptable behavior, promoting respect, and offering support to employees. Effective training and awareness campaigns can also help in preventing such conduct.

What steps are taken when moral harassment is reported in the workplace?

Once reported, moral harassment cases are often investigated through formal channels, such as internal grievance mechanisms or legal proceedings. If evidence is found, companies may be ordered to compensate victims or take corrective actions.

What role does the judicial system play in addressing moral harassment in Brazil?

In Brazil, moral harassment cases are typically handled through labor courts, where victims file lawsuits. However, there is no specific law in place to punish perpetrators of moral harassment. Courts use evidence to assess the situation and may impose penalties or compensation on the employer.

How common is moral harassment in Brazilian workplaces?

Moral harassment is quite prevalent in Brazilian workplaces, with reports of this issue coming from about 70% of companies. Many victims opt to remain anonymous due to the fear of retaliation or further mistreatment.

Why is moral harassment often referred to as an 'invisible' form of violence?

Moral harassment is considered 'invisible' because it often involves psychological abuse that is not immediately noticeable. Unlike physical violence, the effects are internal, affecting the victim's mental health and emotional stability without visible signs.

What can employees do if they are experiencing moral harassment in the workplace?

Employees experiencing moral harassment should document incidents, report the behavior to internal or external channels, and seek support from a mental health professional. It is important to raise awareness of the issue to prevent further harm.