Harassment can undermine intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, and the sense of purpose. When employees feel disrespected, their willingness to invest effort declines and morale drops.
Engagement relies on energy, absorption, and dedication. Harassment disrupts trust with colleagues and supervisors, leading to withdrawal or reduced participation in meetings and projects.
Consequences extend to performance and turnover; teams suffer from miscommunication and decreased collaboration, while individuals may seek external opportunities or disengage from important work streams.
What organizations can do includes clear policies, confidential reporting, and supportive leadership. Managers should model respectful behavior, provide fair feedback, and foster inclusive team norms. Regular climate surveys help tracking progress over time.