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.