Workplace harassment is a serious and widespread problem that affects millions of workers every year. Workplace harassment is defined as any unwelcome conduct that is based on a protected characteristic, such as race, sex, religion, disability, or age, and that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment, or interferes with the employee’s work performance. Workplace harassment can take various forms, such as:
- Verbal harassment, such as insults, jokes, threats, or slurs, target or refer to the employee’s protected characteristic.
- Physical harassment, such as touching, pushing, hitting, or blocking, that is unwanted or inappropriate, or that causes harm or discomfort to the employee.
- Visual harassment, such as displaying, sending, or sharing offensive or derogatory images, posters, cartoons, or symbols, that relate to the employee’s protected characteristic.
- Sexual harassment, such as making sexual advances, requests, or comments, that are unwelcome or coercive, or that condition the employee’s employment or benefits on sexual favors.
- Cyber harassment, such as using email, social media, or other digital platforms, to harass, bully, or intimidate the employee, or to spread false or harmful information about them.
Workplace harassment can have negative impacts on the employee’s physical, mental, and emotional health, such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Workplace harassment can also affect the employee’s work performance, productivity, and career prospects, such as absenteeism, turnover, demotion, or termination. Workplace harassment can also harm the employer’s reputation, morale, and profitability, as well as expose them to legal liability and penalties.
As an employee, you have the right to work in a safe and respectful environment, free from harassment and discrimination. You also have the right to report, oppose, or participate in a complaint or investigation of harassment, without being retaliated against. If you experience or witness workplace harassment, you should take the following steps:
- Speak up. Tell the harasser that their behavior is unwanted and unacceptable, and ask them to stop. You can do this verbally or in writing, depending on your preference and comfort level. You can also seek support from your co-workers, friends, or family, or join or form a group of employees who share your concerns.
- Document the incidents. Keep a record of the dates, times, locations, witnesses, and details of the harassment, as well as any evidence, such as emails, texts, photos, or videos. You should also keep a record of any communication or action that you take to address the harassment, such as talking to the harasser, reporting to the supervisor, or filing a complaint.
- Report the harassment. Follow your employer’s policy and procedure for reporting and resolving harassment, if they have one. You can report the harassment to your supervisor, human resources, or any other person designated by your employer. You should also report the harassment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is the federal agency that enforces the laws against workplace harassment and discrimination. You can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC within 180 days of the last incident of harassment, or within 300 days if your state or local law also prohibits harassment. You can also file a lawsuit against your employer, if the EEOC does not resolve your charge or issues you a right to sue letter.
- Seek legal advice or assistance. Contact a lawyer, a legal aid organization, or a worker advocacy group, to help you understand your rights and options, and to represent you in your complaint or lawsuit.
Following these steps, you can recognize your rights and act against workplace harassment. You can also protect yourself and others from further harm, and create a more positive and productive work environment.
