Harassment in the workplace is any unwanted or uninvited conduct that degrades or shows a dislike or hostility to a person because they possess certain qualities. Harassment can consist of threats, intimidation, racism, gestures, bullying, inappropriate comments or physical violence. Harassment usually embarrassments and humiliates the employee.
There are numerous reasons why harassment in the workplace might occur, such as religious, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability or retaliation. The most common form of harassment in the workplace is bullying. Bullying in the workplace can occur anytime and without warning. Bullying occurs when a person pushes around the victim.
It is considered harassment when an employee is the victim of demeaning comments that are cruel and an intimidating atmosphere at work develops. In addition, if an employee is demoted or fired because of harassing behavior, it is harassment in the workplace.
Harassment also comes in the form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment occurs when an employee makes persistent and unwanted sexual advances, asks for sexual favors or any other type of verbal or physical behavior that has a sexual tone. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment takes place when this conduct influences an employee’s ability to effectively perform their job or if the harassment creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment at work.
What Are The Forms Of Harassment In The Workplace?
Forms of sexual harassment might include offensive jokes, distasteful gestures, insulting words and unwanted comments. It can also consist of inappropriate touching, patting or grabbing. The person doing the harassment might repeatedly ask for dates, or they might inappropriately flirt with the victim. Sexual harassment can include tasteless emails or pictures that are of a sexual nature. Even playing sexual music might be perceived as sexual harassment.
It is not sexual harassment if a person is guilty of innocent teasing or just has a weird sense of humor. The conduct must be so offensive that it affects the victim’s ability to do their job or creates an aggressive and threatening work environment.
What Are The Steps For Dealing With Harassment In The Workplace?
Employees who are victims of harassment in the workplace should go to their human resource department to report the incident. An official complaint should be filed; therefore, individuals should find out the proper way to file a complaint with their company. If the employee has any type of proof, they should bring it with them to the resource department. According to the law, the employer is required to investigate the charges, and an employer can be in big trouble if they do not look into the accusations.
The civil rights bureau can get involved if the harassment is severe. However, the best thing for a person to do is to let their employer or supervisor handle the situation.
Studies have shown that about one in ten people have experienced some form of harassment in the workplace. When harassment occurs, it violates Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employees who are being harassed should notify the proper authorities, so the perpetrator will have to face the consequences for instigating harassment in the workplace.