Comms controversy | How a GIF in a work group chat led to a harassment ruling

Modern workplaces increasingly rely on WhatsApp groups, Microsoft Teams messages, emojis and GIFs to keep colleagues connected. But a recent employment tribunal has underlined that these forms of communication are subject to the same legal standards as any other workplace conduct, with an unwanted GIF capable of amounting to unlawful harassment.

The ruling came after a tribunal found that a female security guard had been harassed after a colleague shared a GIF reading "BITCH I AM LYING" in a workplace group chat. The claimant, Ms G Ursuleanu, was later awarded almost £14,000 in compensation.

GIF in workplace group chat

Ms Ursuleanu worked as a security guard at a Covid-19 vaccination centre operated by Vicars Cross Healthcare between August 2022 and March 2023.

The tribunal heard that on 12th March 2023 she reminded colleagues in the "Vicars Cross Vax" group chat about outstanding fire safety matters ahead of an NHS inspection. After initially replying that the issues had already been addressed, the manager responded to her thumbs-up emoji by sending a GIF stating "BITCH I AM LYING", before adding "But I will sort" alongside a laughing emoji.