Remote work has brought many benefits — increased flexibility, access to global talent, and reduced overheads. But it’s also introduced new challenges, including one that many employers underestimate: preventing harassment in remote teams.
Harassment doesn’t disappear when your employees aren’t in the same office. In fact, it can become more complex — and harder to detect.
Digital Spaces, Real Consequences
With teams now relying heavily on Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, email, and messaging apps, inappropriate behaviour can take on new forms:
- Passive-aggressive comments in team chats
- Unwanted personal messages after hours
- Inappropriate jokes or behaviour during video calls
- Excluding or isolating individuals from key meetings or discussions
Even without face-to-face contact, the emotional and psychological harm caused by remote harassment is very real — and legally actionable.
Why Remote Harassment Can Be Harder to Spot
- Fewer witnesses: Online interactions often happen in private channels or DMs
- Informal communication: Emojis, GIFs, and casual language blur boundaries
- Delay in reporting: Victims may feel less connected to HR or unsure how to raise concerns virtually
- Isolation: Without regular social interaction, team members may internalise incidents or feel unsupported
As an employer, you’re still legally responsible for ensuring a harassment-free workplace — regardless of whether that workplace is virtual.
5 Ways to Prevent Harassment in Remote Teams
-
Set Clear Digital Communication Guidelines
Establish a remote workplace code of conduct policy. Outline acceptable behaviour in virtual meetings, chat apps, email, and other digital channels. Make it clear that the same standards of professionalism apply online as in person.
-
Provide Specific Training for Remote Scenarios
Most traditional harassment training doesn’t address the digital dynamics of remote work. Make sure your team receives up-to-date, remote-specific harassment training that covers:
- Appropriate use of communication tools
- Respectful behaviour in video calls and messages
- How to report incidents virtually
Pro tip: Our CPD-accredited sexual harassment e-learning course covers both in-person and remote harassment risks. It takes just 35 minutes to complete and is fully compliant with UK law.
-
Create Easy, Anonymous Reporting Channels
Ensure employees can safely and confidentially report issues — without fear of retaliation. Use anonymous reporting tools. Our HR software includes a bespoke grievance system that allows employees to report incidents of sexual harassment safely and confidentially — without fear of retaliation.
-
Train Managers to Spot Red Flags
Managers and leadership must lead by example, so remote managers must be trained to identify potential signs of harassment, including:
- Sudden withdrawal from team communications
- Unexplained absences from meetings
- Private feedback from team members hinting at discomfort
-
Regularly Check In on Team Culture
Run pulse surveys or anonymous feedback sessions to assess how your team is feeling. Ask specifically about communication norms and whether people feel respected and included in your remote environment.
Legal Risk Is Still Risk — Even Online
Many employers mistakenly believe that a lack of physical interaction means less risk of harassment. But UK law doesn’t make that distinction. If someone feels harassed — even via email or Teams chat — and your business hasn’t taken steps to prevent it, you could face a tribunal claim.
The recent updates under the new Sexual Harassment Duty (effective October 2024) place a positive duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment proactively. This includes remote workers.
Train Your Remote Team in Just 35 Minutes
Our Sexual Harassment E-Learning Course is:
- CPD accredited
- Designed for both in-person and remote teams
- Completed in just 35 minutes, from any device
- Valid as part of a legal defence in the event of a claim
- Just £29 per employee
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Training a remote workforce can be challenging — but our Sexual Harassment E-Learning course makes it simple. Accessible anytime, anywhere, it’s just £29 per person. Book a short demo today!