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. Each employee deserves the right to work in a place free of harassment, and the only way to make such behavior stop is to start the process of reporting it so that the proper steps can be taken. By not reporting harassment, you are giving the harasser even more power.
Recognize Harassment
Workplace harassment is any behavior (physical, verbal or otherwise) focused on age, gender, nationality, race or other protected designation that is designed to upset and alienate. Forms of harassment at work include sexual harassment, age harassment, bullying, cyberstalking and even religious harassment.
Informal Resolution
Ask the harasser to stop the behavior. It may be something as simple as asking a co-worker not to tell ethnic jokes or to state firmly to a supervisor that you are not interested in dating. You may even feel comfortable talking to a supervisor about the offender. The supervisor is obligated to find a resolution and provide a non-hostile environment. Employers are liable for any injuries and suffering of an employee while they are at work, and they are charged with the duty of creating a non-hostile work environment.
Take Notes
After a clear conversation with the harasser or the supervisor, observe if the behavior continues. Keep track of any instances of harassment at work, writing down the date, time and the summary of the behavior. Also, note whether or not any other people were present to witness the harassment. Keep all this information private for now.
Study The Company Policy
Read the company handbook to find out the procedure for lodging a formal complaint of workplace harassment. Also visit the Web site for the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for further explanation of your rights.
Most companies feature a step-by-step outline of how to pass on the information to supervisors. Generally, a company will require a written complaint with a description of the behavior, as well as any other key details. The appropriate personnel will investigate the claims and recommend disciplinary actions or dismiss the accusations. If a company cannot or will not remedy the situation, victims will have to resort to retaining a harassment lawyer and filing a harassment lawsuit.
 | 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. |
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. |
