January 15, 2025

Understanding the Different Types of Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment is a widespread problem that undermines the dignity, safety, and productivity of employees. Understanding the different types of workplace harassment is critical for identifying and addressing these issues effectively. From verbal or physical harassment, to discriminatory practices and unwelcome sexual advances, harassment in the workplace can take many forms, each with serious consequences for employees and organizations.

This guide explores the types of workplace harassment and the legal frameworks, such as the Civil Rights Act, that help protect employees from these behaviors, promoting healthier and more inclusive work environments.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment involves unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile work environment, violating employees’ rights and well-being. It can include verbal, physical, psychological, or discriminatory actions that harm the person harassed. Unlawful harassment may stem from factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.

The different types of workplace harassment range from overt actions like physical assaults, to subtle behaviors like offensive jokes or inappropriate comments. Regardless of the form it takes, harassment negatively affects work environments and can lead to serious legal and emotional repercussions.

Common Types of Workplace Harassment

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature. It can occur in two primary forms:

Quid pro quo harassment: When employment decisions, such as promotions or continued employment, are tied to the acceptance or rejection of sexual advances.
Hostile work environment: When inappropriate behavior or sexual conduct creates an intimidating or offensive work atmosphere.

Examples of sexual harassment include unwanted touching, explicit messages, or making inappropriate comments. Such actions contribute to a hostile work environment and are prohibited under federal law.

Racial Harassment

Racial harassment targets an individual based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. This form of discriminatory harassment includes racial slurs, offensive jokes, or exclusionary behavior, which can cause long-lasting harm to the victim’s emotional well-being.

Gender-Based Harassment

Harassment targeting someone’s gender or gender identity includes derogatory comments, stereotyping, or treating individuals unfairly because of their gender. Gender-based harassment often overlaps with sexual harassment, making it particularly harmful in the workplace.

Religious Harassment

Religious harassment occurs when employees face hostility due to their religious beliefs, practices, or holidays. Examples include mocking religious customs, failing to accommodate religious observances, or making offensive jokes about religion.

Sexual Orientation Harassment

Sexual orientation harassment targets employees for their sexual orientation or gender identity. This form of harassment can involve exclusion, verbal harassment, or creating an environment where employees feel unsafe or unsupported because of their identity.

Verbal or Physical Harassment

Verbal harassment includes offensive jokes, insults, or inappropriate comments, while physical harassment involves threats, intimidation, or physical assaults. Both types create a hostile work environment and often violate workplace policies and laws.

Psychological Harassment

Psychological harassment involves actions that harm an employee’s mental well-being, such as bullying, humiliation, or persistent unwarranted criticism. This form of harassment may not target a specific protected characteristic.

Other Types of Harassment

Online Harassment

With the rise of remote work, online harassment has become increasingly common. This includes inappropriate messages, offensive emails, or cyberbullying through workplace communication tools.

Discriminatory Harassment

This encompasses harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, or disability. Discriminatory harassment is prohibited under laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Disabilities Act.

Retaliation Harassment

Retaliation harassment occurs when employees face mistreatment after reporting harassment or participating in a workplace investigation. This can take the form of exclusion, intimidation, or negative employment actions.

Third-Party Harassment

Harassment doesn’t always come from coworkers or supervisors; clients, vendors, or other third parties can also engage in offensive conduct that impacts employees.

Reporting and Preventing Harassment

Reporting Harassment

Employees who experience harassment should report workplace harassment through appropriate channels, such as human resources or a designated complaint system. Harassment complaints must be taken seriously, and proper investigations should follow.

Preventing Harassment

Employers can prevent harassment by fostering an inclusive work environment, offering training programs, and enforcing policies against harassing behavior. Ensuring that employees understand the different types of workplace harassment helps create a safer, more respectful environment.

Legal Protections Against Harassment

Federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act and the Disabilities Act, provide protection against unlawful harassment. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, or disability.

Employers must ensure that their policies align with these laws and offer a safe work environment for all employees. By addressing harassment effectively, organizations can reduce complaints and promote a positive workplace culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Considered Harassment in the Workplace?

Harassment includes any unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile or offensive work environment, such as verbal abuse, physical threats, or discriminatory actions.

How Can Employees Report Harassment?

Employees should report harassment to their human resources department or a designated workplace official. Documentation of incidents and witnesses can strengthen harassment claims.

What Are Employers’ Responsibilities?

Employers are required by law to address harassment complaints, provide training to prevent inappropriate behavior, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.

Are Isolated Incidents Considered Harassment?

While isolated incidents may not meet the legal definition of harassment, they can still contribute to a negative work environment and should be addressed promptly.

Can Harassment Occur Outside the Office?

Yes, workplace harassment can occur in any work-related setting, including remote work environments, off-site events, or through online communication tools.

Workplace harassment can take many forms, but recognizing and addressing it is the first step toward creating a healthier and more supportive environment. If you’ve experienced harassment, reach out to appropriate resources for help and guidance.