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Whether you work in business, retail, hospitality, or construction, we should all feel safe and secure when in the workplace. While the majority of people you encounter at work will be pleasant and friendly, unfortunately, there are individuals who have hidden motives, which can make you feel uneasy and unsafe at work.
If you believe that a colleague is stalking you, it’s important that you sort the problem out immediately. With one in six women and one in nineteen men stating that they have been a victims of stalking, it’s important to know what to do if you are in a similar situation. Here is a guide on how to handle a workplace stalker.
Defining Stalking
The first step in handling a workplace stalker is to understand the exact definition of what stalking means. Described as unwanted, repeated contact that causes a victim to feel distressed, uneasy, and afraid, there are several types of behaviors that are commonly associated with stalking, such as following a victim, lying in wait for them, giving unwanted gifts, visiting the victim’s property unannounced, as well as threatening harm.
Speak to HR
If you are concerned for your safety and are adamant that you are being stalked by a colleague, it’s vital that you speak with HR immediately. Speaking to someone about the situation you’re in and sharing your thoughts and feelings can put your mind at ease, especially when telling someone who you trust.
Regardless of the company you work for, they must have clear policies and regulations laid out, which are designed to create a safe environment for all employees. It’s important that you feel safe and respected enough to let your feelings known without fear of being judged or not believed. If you don’t feel comfortable raising the issue, there may be another coworker whom you can confide in. The last thing you want is for it to get back to the stalker if you feel your personal safety is under attack, so make sure that you tread carefully.
Concerned about a workplace stalker? Learn effective strategies to handle the situation with confidence and ensure a safe work environment. #WorkplaceSafety #HR #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceStalker #ProfessionalAdvice #SafeWorkplaceClick To TweetAvoid Contact
If you believe you have a stalker in the workplace, being around them on a day-to-day basis can be incredibly challenging. If you don’t have to communicate with them, try and avoid as much contact and interaction as possible. The more conversations you have with a stalker, the more fixated they may become, which can make you feel more tense and anxious. Some stalkers may try their hardest to get your attention, so try your best to stay focused on your work.
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Do Your Research
If you are unsure about whether you are being stalked or not, there is research you can conduct online that can clarify things. You can visit Public Records Reviews and search for their Courthouse Records, which will help you find out whether your stalker has been in trouble with the law before. Public Records Reviews allows you to search through criminal records and court judgment records.
Doing your own research will give you a better indication of what your stalker is like and how they have behaved in the past. If you uncover anything of concern, it’s important that you speak to a family member, friend, or somebody at work.
Look After Your Health
Being stalked in an environment where you should feel the safest can have a detrimental impact on your physical and mental health. If your workplace was once somewhere that you enjoyed being in, having someone watch your every move can bring on anxiety and depression. Your health and wellbeing should be your number one priority, so if you have noticed a change in your behavior and feel like you’re not yourself, there are several things you can do to keep your health and wellbeing in check.
Getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthily, incorporating regular exercise into your routine, as well as practicing relaxation techniques can help reduce stress levels caused by your workplace stalker and help you regain control. If you’re ready to take action, it’s crucial that you’re in the right frame of mind, so prioritizing your health and following the self-care strategies listed will give you the confidence you need to fight your corner and sort out the problem.
If you are confident that you have a stalker at work, it’s important that you speak to HR, who must act on what you say and make immediate changes in the workplace. Also, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement if you feel like your life is in danger.
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