Stalking in the workplace

Stalking is a prevalent phenomenon that has major negative psychological, physical, social and financial sequelae. Although workplaces are creating and extending policies to respond to domestic abuse, little attention has been paid to workplace-based stalking. The present study took a mixed methods approach to examining and comparing 49 cases of stalking that began in the workplace and 92 cases of ex-partner stalking that began elsewhere and extended to the workplace. Workplace stalkers were reported to manipulate workplace practices to harass and gain proximity to their targets. Significant consequences for both complainants and workplaces were recorded, ranging from discomfort through to sexual and physical assault and career disruption and loss. A minority of complainants in both subsets reported the stalking to their managers, and only half of these were satisfied with the responses they received. Recommendations concerning the recognition and management of stalking in work environments are provided.