Several types of harassment are prohibited by United States laws and regulations. Although sexual harassment is the most common, managers and companies must also watch out for any other forms of workplace harassment. Harassment of any type is behavior intended to upset or alienate someone.
Every employee has the right to work in a non-hostile environment, and harassment laws ensure that guidelines are clear for all. Knowing what is and isn't allowed in the workplace can help employees understand whether or not they are subject to or contributing to a hostile environment. Of all the kinds of harassment in the workplace, religious, gender and racial harassments are perhaps the most common, but they may be the hardest to recognize.
Religious Harassment
Harassing an employee for his religious beliefs is prohibited. When an employee is subject to psychological, verbal or physical harassment because of a specific religion, religious behavior or even lack of religion, it is religious harassment. Examples of this are exposure to anti-religious jokes, taunting or teasing about religious garb or trying to convert others.
Gender Harassment
Gender harassment is a form of sexual harassment that may or may not have a sexual nature. Similar to racial harassment, gender harassment focuses on the abilities, stereotypes and capabilities of a specific gender. Some examples of gender harassment are making comments about how women are unable to perform certain duties, teasing a male nurse that he is gay or dropping constant out-of-context gender references in work conversations.
Racial Harassment
A person's ethnicity and race are never to be the focus of unwanted attention, comments or hostility. Racial harassment is any physical or verbal action that is offensive or derogatory with regards to race. Usually, racial discrimination places a negative light on a person's race rather than a positive one. Some examples of this are a supervisor using racial slurs, sharing racial jokes or insinuating that work performance is substandard due to the employee's race.
By realizing that there are more types of harassment than sexual harassment, a manager or supervisor can be better prepared if an employee comes to him with a complaint, and all employees can adjust their behavior to what is appropriate in the workplace.
 | Harassment in the workplace is an issue you might need to deal with if you become a manager. When an employee comes forward with complaints about a co-worker's behavior, a good manager will have a plan in place. |
 | The definition of harassment is physical or verbal hostility toward someone with legally protected status. Understanding what constitutes harassment will allow workers to recognize it when it is happening and put a stop to it. |
 | Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. If you are a new small-business owner or manager, these steps can help you achieve a harassment-free workplace. |
Unfortunately, some people who were bullies as children become bullies as adults. Since they encounter too many people who are afraid of them, they might be able to bully their way into a good job. These people poison companies, but they somehow manage to stick around. Luckily, you don't have to put up with them. |
A victim of workplace harassment may not feel comfortable speaking to a supervisor, but there is no reason to be nervous when it comes to protecting your rights. By not reporting harassment, you are giving the harasser even more power. |
