b'DEPARTMENT OVERVIEWProtecting Our Safety and Well-Being in Virtual WorkspacesB efore the COVID-19from harassment while working fromimpact we have on one another and pandemic, employers hadhome, we know that harassment canprotecting safe spaces can be subtle or been grappling for years totake many shapes and forms that extendseemingly small gestures while having a redefine workplace safetybeyond in-person physical or verbal inci- very positive effect on co-workers. and well-being in an increasingly digitaldents. Workplace harassment can takeAccording to the Ending Violence world. Being free from discrimination,place on social media, by text messageAssociation of BC, the pandemic and harassment or violence at work was noor through video conference calls. Whileworking from home has increased longer confined to the four walls of yourthis has been an adjustment for work- workplace vulnerability and exploita-workplace, but extended into onlineplace culture and policies, the pandemic spaces as well. Like many other parts ofhas now made this more pressing thantion through abuses of power and our lives, our workplace safety and well- ever, as connecting virtually is integralharassment. Vulnerability can take being needs have been forever changedfor many of us in our social lives and inmany shapes, such as concerns of being by the pandemic. This has been a prom- how we carry out work. laid off during the pandemic, lack of inent theme while reflecting on impactsThe ways in which we experiencepeer support and uncertainty around from the pandemic, and as a result,harassment in virtual spaces can be subtlethe role of human resources and poli-workplace well-being is currently underor unintended, but that does not negatecies while working from home. When the spotlight. With this focus comesthe impact it can have on our psycho- employees are feeling vulnerable in an opportunity for both employers andlogical well-being. For instance, tellingtheir workplace, they are less likely to employees to become better equippeda woman she looks tired during a videoreport incidents of harassment. There with tools and best practices to create aconference call or beginning a meetingis also a belief that virtual incidents new and improved workplace culture.by commenting on their appearancesof harassment are not as serious as For many, kitchen tables, spare roomscan make them feel uncomfortable orincidents that take place in person; and makeshift desks have become theashamed. Excluding people from socialhowever, these incidents still impact our new physical place of employment as weevents when they miss a meeting can alsopsychological and emotional well-being conduct our work virtually. While it mayfuel feelings of isolation and perpetuatealong with our productivity and ability seem as though employees are shelteredbullying behaviour. Understanding theto connect with one another.56l I ssue2 2021/22C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne'