Workplace Violations – A Call for Awareness

Over the course of our careers, most of us experience situations where we are confronted with inappropriate or abusive behavior — whether from supervisors or colleagues.

Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly unwilling to tolerate disrespect and boundary-crossing in the workplace.

But this resistance often leads to conflict. Behaviors that were once seen as "normal" are now being challenged — and rightly so. It is entirely legitimate to expect fundamental respect and human decency from those around us. So why are younger people still dismissed as overly sensitive, lazy, or "soft"?

Hierarchy – A System That Punches Down

In many workplaces, frustration is directed downward. Where toxic structures are the norm, the most vulnerable are made scapegoats. Labeling someone as weak simply because they refuse to accept mistreatment is dehumanizing. The mindset seems to be: "Don’t complain when I take a jab at you." – as if abuse were just part of the deal.

We Have the Right — and the Duty — to Speak Up

There’s a pervasive message that speaking up about working conditions is inappropriate or even dangerous — especially for young women and people of color. But silence only perpetuates the cycle.

Examples of workplace violations I have personally experienced:

• Being asked in a job interview if I was pregnant

• Harsh judgment of my eating habits (at the time, I followed a vegan diet)

• Being yelled at with phrases like: “If the boss says so, you have to do it”

• Sexual harassment — including physical contact (e.g. touching my knee) and inappropriate comments about my appearance

• Excessive micromanagement and control

• Colleagues talking behind my back in my presence

• Frequent racist remarks

• Being addressed by the wrong name repeatedly

• Being told I was too young to be mentally affected by the stress of the job

• Dismissive comments like “If you don’t like it, leave” or “You just have to toughen up”

• Being blamed for poor internal communication — classic scapegoating

• Ongoing disregard and belittlement by coworkers

  
  

Conclusion: It’s About Human Dignity

These are interpersonal failures — not inevitable facts of working life. They are preventable if awareness is raised and accountability is taken. This kind of behavior causes harm. Real harm. It can lead to serious mental health issues.

Ask yourself honestly: Do you want to be responsible — even indirectly — for someone becoming ill, suffering long-term trauma, or even taking their own life?

Change starts with awareness. And awareness starts with you.