Facing Severe Anxiety from Workplace Abuse: What Are My Rights and Next Steps?

I am a 28-year-old male from Mumbai working in a leading agency. In my six months of employment with the new employer, I have faced sexual and mental abuse by my immediate female boss and superboss. The first two months were horrendous. After realizing this, I verbally filed a POSH complaint, compliance, and an Anti-LGBTQ complaint. The concerns were taken seriously, and my team was changed. However, in the new team, the mental harassment continued, and the physical office space was jarring and triggering. I tried to communicate in every way possible—confront, escalate, use the grapevine, delegate, be emotional, have heart-to-heart conversations, be assertive, but nothing worked out. Leaves were not being approved for breaks, and I was labeled as a cribbing person. The new team viewed the problem from a different perspective as no one had informed them about the POSH and mental torture. However, I still communicated very formally and professionally about feeling uncomfortable, unsafe, unapproachable, etc. I had a call with HR regarding my transfer to another office. Eventually, on a Sunday night, I had a panic attack in my sleep and was rushed to the hospital. I have now been diagnosed with severe anxiety. What are my rights and responsibilities here as an employee? Can I claim compensation for all that I have been through? I want to escalate this to Global Management as domestic management is terrible. What backlash can I expect with the escalation?

Understanding Your Rights and Options in Dealing with Workplace Abuse and Anxiety

Dealing with workplace abuse, whether sexual or mental, is a serious matter that requires proper handling to ensure your well-being and rights are protected. Here are some practical steps and considerations for your situation in Mumbai, India:

🔹 Know Your Rights: As an employee in India, you are protected under various labor laws that prohibit any form of harassment or abuse in the workplace. The Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act is a crucial law that safeguards employees against sexual harassment at work. It's essential to familiarize yourself with these laws to understand your rights and the legal recourse available to you.

🔹 Seek Support: It's commendable that you have already taken steps to address the abuse by filing complaints with the appropriate authorities. Continue to seek support from HR, legal advisors, or counseling services to navigate through this challenging situation. Your well-being is a priority, and seeking professional help for your anxiety is crucial.

🔹 Documentation: Keep a record of all incidents of abuse, harassment, and your efforts to address them. Documentation can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to escalate the matter further or seek compensation for the distress you have endured.

🔹 Claiming Compensation: In cases of severe mental distress caused by workplace abuse, you may be eligible to claim compensation for the harm suffered. Consult with legal experts or labor law professionals to understand the process of filing a compensation claim and the supporting documents required.

🔹 Escalating to Global Management: If you feel that the domestic management has not adequately addressed the issue or if you fear backlash for escalating, consider reaching out to the global management of the organization. Before doing so, ensure you have a clear understanding of the company's hierarchy, reporting procedures, and any relevant policies that govern such escalations.

🔹 Potential Backlash: While escalating to global management may bring attention to the situation, there is a possibility of facing backlash or negative repercussions. It's essential to weigh the risks and benefits of this decision and seek advice from legal professionals on how to protect yourself during this process.

Remember, your well-being and mental health should be the top priority. Do not hesitate to seek professional help and legal guidance to address the workplace abuse and anxiety you are experiencing.