There are different forms of harassment in the workplace. While most people might think sexual harassment is the only one, they would be wrong. Besides this type of undesired behavior, there are other types of harassment at work that could involve discrimination against another based on various factors aside from gender and sexual orientation.
Types of Employment Harassment
Harassment can take many forms, including derogatory remarks, offensive jokes, threats, intimidation, physical assaults, unwanted advances, and even genetic information discrimination. What distinguishes harassment from merely unpleasant behavior is its impact on the work environment. The different forms of harassment in the workplace typically involve one or more of the following factors:
- Age: Exclusion from team activities or receiving derogatory comments based on being or perceived as being a different age from your co-worker.
- Gender: Enduring unwanted sexual advances or being passed over for promotion based on gender stereotypes.
- Race: Enduring racial slurs, jokes, or being denied opportunities due to racial bias.
- Religious Beliefs: Facing ridicule or being denied accommodations for religious practices.
- Sexual Orientation: Receiving homophobic remarks or being excluded from social activities because of one’s sexual orientation.
- Marital Status: Being treated differently or excluded from work events due to being single or married.
- Political Beliefs: Facing hostility or discrimination due to differing political views.
- Veteran Status: Enduring derogatory remarks about military service or being denied job opportunities based on veteran status.
- Mental Disabilities: Being mocked or excluded due to mental health conditions.
- Physical Disabilities: Enduring jokes or being denied reasonable accommodations for physical disabilities.
- Gender Identification: Facing discrimination or harassment based on one’s gender identity or expression.
- Immigration Status: Being subjected to derogatory comments or unfair treatment based on immigration status.
In addition, an employee could potentially be harassed if they are encouraged or coerced to not report questionable working conditions, illegal activities, unsafe working environments, or other such practices, which could result in legal action being taken against the business and/or its owners, agents, or other employees. Further, being reprimanded for reporting such activities is another type of harassment at work and potentially retaliation.
What Is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment, as defined by U.S. laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, encompasses various forms of unwelcome behavior. This includes verbal or physical conduct that discriminates against people based on protected characteristics like those mentioned above.
Being harassed in the workplace is essentially a form of bullying. You might feel uncomfortable in your work environment, question your safety, or feel intimidated. Sometimes, the harassment could be the result of nonverbal gestures or facial expressions, intentional overloading of work, or withholding information so you will fail. Other types of employment harassment could involve verbal communications in the form of lewd or offensive jokes, comments about your appearance, clothing, or job performance, or threatening language.
Any type of harassment at work can lead to a hostile work environment. This type of work environment is one where employees are fearful for different reasons. They might be afraid of being written up or losing their job for not completing a project on time, discussing concerns about policies and procedures, or questioning a directive of a supervisor.
Steps to Take to Stop Harassment in the Workplace
Unfortunately, many people are afraid to report harassment in the workplace for fear of retaliatory actions by their employers. Even though many of the behaviors they are being subjected to are often illegal, they do not want to be known as a “whistleblower” or be labeled a “troublemaker.”
Here are a few important steps you can take to protect yourself if you’re subjected to workplace harassment.
1. Equip Yourself
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the company’s harassment policies outlined in the employee handbook or through HR resources. Attend any training sessions on harassment prevention they provide to understand what constitutes harassment and how to respond.
2. Report the Incident(s)
Talk to your supervisor about the issue. In cases where your supervisor is the one who is causing the harassment, then you should speak to either their manager or your HR department.
3. Follow Procedures
Follow the established reporting procedures outlined in the company’s policies. If your workplace lacks adequate mechanisms for addressing harassment, consider seeking external assistance from legal resources or regulatory agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
4. Document Evidence
Maintain a journal and notes about the different forms of harassment in the workplace you were subjected to, the names and titles of those involved in the behaviors, and any other supporting documentation, like emails or text messages.
5. Consider Your Options
If you know other employees have filed complaints about harassing behaviors and no action has been taken to resolve the matter, consider taking the legal route.
6. Take Legal Recourse
Contact a qualified and experienced workplace harassment lawyer in Atlanta, or whichever city you live in, to discuss the matter confidentially, and find out your legal rights and how best to proceed.
Call Barrett & Farahany’s Workplace Harassment Attorneys Now to Protect Your Employment Rights
Remember, every employee has legal protections against workplace harassment. It’s important to assert your rights to stay protected from workplace harassment and discrimination. By staying informed, setting boundaries, documenting incidents, reporting harassment, and seeking legal help, people can safeguard themselves and create a safer work environment for everyone.
Most workplace harassment lawyers offer a free consultation appointment and will provide you with their legal advice. In addition, you can file a complaint with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). You do not have to tolerate any type of employment harassment and bullying. Contact the workplace harassment lawyers at Barrett & Farahany now for a no-obligation consultation.
