Workplace harassment in people with disabilities: Common forms of manifestation

Workplace bullying towards people with disabilities is a global problem that can have a negative impact on both the physical and mental health of the affected person. Plus, it can affect your productivity and career path.

In this article, we will explore the common causes of this type of harassment in the workplace. The goal is to reflect on our attitudes as employers or coworkers and to continue educating ourselves to improve our working relationships with others.

The main causes of workplace bullying toward people with disabilities

These are some of the most frequent reasons behind this type of abuse:

1. Discrimination: People with disabilities are often teased in the workplace, whether by coworkers, supervisors, or employers. This discrimination can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as assigning them less challenging tasks, denying them training opportunities, or refusing promotions.
2. Social stigma or lack of workplace empathy: People with disabilities are often underestimated in terms of competence or reliability, which can lead their coworkers to be less understanding of their needs.
3. Lack of personal, family, or emotional support: Disability training, the creation of inclusive work environments, and the availability of non-monetary resources, such as adapted furniture, can improve the working conditions of people with disabilities and provide them with the support they need.
4. Lack of knowledge or information: Coworkers and supervisors who do not understand the needs of people with disabilities may act in an unintentionally insensitive or discriminatory manner.
5. Insufficient Resources: Companies that lack the necessary resources to support people with disabilities are more likely to experience workplace bullying. These resources can include training, support, and supervision from coworkers, not just financial resources.

In short, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

If you are being bullied at work or suffer from a disability, contact a law firm like ours and pay attention to the options we offer to people like you!