Different Types of Workplace Harassment

The workplace should be a productive environment where everyone feels welcome. One individual should never make someone else feel uncomfortable, and that is why you should have a comprehensive harassment policy in place. If your business employs more than 15 people, then you are required by law to have a policy. However, even if you do not, it is still a good idea to have a protocol in place to deal with any instances that come up. You never know who may engage in deplorable behavior, and it is important to be vigilant of the various types of harassment that exist.

What Constitutes Harassment?

Harassment takes many forms, some of which are more severe than others. Telling an off-color joke could be viewed as a more mild case of harassment, while stalking is much more severe. Bullying can occur between several employees. This can take the form of physical or psychological abuse, and it can involve gossip, unwarranted criticisms and isolation. Ultimately, if someone feels uncomfortable due to the actions of someone else, then he or she should be able to go to you to deal with the problem.

What Can People Be Harassed About?

There is no limit to the things people can be bullied about. It could be something absolutely trivial about an individual’s appearance or an integral part of a person’s lifestyle. While the following list is by no means comprehensive, it does contain some of the more common targets:

•Physical Appearance/Behavior: This is an incredibly common form of harassment, where one employee makes unwanted sexual advancements towards another employee. This form of harassment is protected within the Civil Rights Act of 1964 under Title VII. This same clause also protects people against harassment on the basis of national origin, religion and race.

•Disabilities: The American with Disabilities Act protects people who suffer from various ailments from being discriminated against.

•Political Beliefs: An individual cannot be harassed for having a certain political ideology.

•Age: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects people from being discriminated against based on their age. It prevents older individuals, particularly those over 40, from receiving an unjustifiable dismissal.

•Marital Status and Sexual Orientation: It is illegal to discriminate against someone because he or she is single, divorced or married, regardless of the spouse’s gender.

•Criminal History: Some cities and states have laws in place that prevent employers from discriminating against an individual on the basis of a past criminal record.

•Gender Identification: If an employee identifies as transsexual, then other employees must refrain from actions or comments that may be considered discriminatory.

•Income: Slandering someone else for having a second job or making a certain level of household income is another form of harassment.

•Smoker Status: Although everyone is legally prohibited from smoking indoors and in other public areas, any employee reserves the right to privacy as long he or she is smoking in a designated area. This protection also applies to people who do not smoke.

Laws on harassment vary from one city to the next. They can also vary by state. Regardless of what the law is, it is not conducive to a good work environment to allow someone to feel like they are not welcome. Take every accusation of harassment seriously, and take the necessary actions so that everyone is able to work together in harmony.

Harassment can take many forms, and someone doing the harassing may not even realize that he or she is doing it. Various courses of action can be taken from simply giving the perpetrator a warning to terminating of employment. If you choose not to do anything when an employee comes to you about being harassed, then you could be facing a lawsuit. Therefore, it is in your company’s best interest to handle these matters appropriately.

Legal Disclaimer

The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.