Respectful conduct at work - Introduction

Harassment and inappropriate conduct

IIT is committed to promoting a respectful, safe, and inclusive work and research environment

In line with its Code of behavior and scientific conduct, harassment refers to any verbal, non-verbal, psychological, or physical conduct — whether repeated or isolated — that is unwelcome or inappropriate and that has the purpose or effect of (i) violating a person’s dignity, (ii) interfering improperly with a person’s work or their psychological and physical well-being, and (iii) creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

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Respectful conduct at work - What can you do as a bystander

Examples of behaviours

Harassment and inappropriate conduct may include, for example (these behaviours may vary in form and severity, from isolated incidents to repeated patterns):

Respectful conduct at work - Examples

Physical
harassment Unwanted physical contact, invading personal space, blocking movement; ranging from inappropriate proximity to more serious physical intimidation.

Psychological harassment Intimidation, social isolation, persistent criticism, or undermining behaviour; from subtle exclusion to sustained pressure affecting wellbeing.

Bullying and repeated hostile behaviours Putting someone down, singling them out, spreading negative comments; from episodic incidents to ongoing targeted behaviour.

Verbal or non-verbal harassment Offensive remarks, jokes, tone of voice, gestures, or facial expressions; from inappropriate comments to openly degrading language or conduct.

Sexual or gender-based harassment Unwelcome comments, attention, jokes, or behaviour of a sexual or gender-related nature; from suggestive remarks to explicit or persistent conduct.

Mobbing Coordinated or repeated exclusion, isolation, or pressure particularly when carried out by a group; from subtle group dynamics to systematic targeting.

Stalking Repeated unwanted contact, monitoring, or attempts to approach someone; from intrusive attention to behaviour that causes fear or distress.

Sabotage or deliberate interference with someone’s work Withholding information, obstructing tasks, creating undue obstacles that improperly interfere with work; ranging from occasional disruption to systematic undermining of a person’s performance.

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Respectful conduct at work - Reporting a concern title

Reporting a concern

IIT provides a whistleblowing platform through which employees and third parties can report concerns in a confidential and protected manner, in accordance with applicable regulations.

How the process works

Respectful conduct at work - Reporting a concern steps

1. Submission

Reports can be submitted through the platform, including by witnesses.

2. Confidential handling

All reports are handled with due confidentiality and in line with IIT procedures.

3. Assessment

Reports are reviewed and assigned to the competent body for evaluation.

4. Follow-up actions

Where appropriate, further assessment is carried out and actions are taken.

Respectful conduct at work - Final remark

If misconduct is established, appropriate measures — including disciplinary measures — may be adopted, proportionate to the nature and severity of the case.