Workplace Harassment FAQ
Workplace harassment can create serious legal concerns for employees and employers. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and available options is an important first step.
Harassment claims may involve discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environments, sexual harassment, and other unlawful workplace conduct.
What is workplace harassment?
Workplace harassment generally involves unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, religion, disability, age, or other legally protected categories.
Not every unpleasant workplace interaction is unlawful harassment. The conduct must typically meet the applicable legal standards under state or federal law.
What are examples of workplace harassment?
Examples may include offensive comments, discriminatory remarks, unwanted sexual conduct, threats, intimidation, unequal treatment, or other conduct that creates a hostile work environment.
Is workplace harassment illegal?
Workplace harassment may be illegal when it is based on a protected characteristic or when it creates a legally recognized hostile work environment.
Each situation depends on the facts, including the nature of the conduct, frequency, severity, and impact on the employee.
What should I do if I am experiencing workplace harassment?
Employees should consider documenting incidents, reviewing workplace policies, reporting concerns through appropriate channels, and seeking legal advice regarding available options.
Can an employer retaliate against someone who reports harassment?
Employees are generally protected from retaliation for reporting harassment, participating in an investigation, or opposing unlawful workplace conduct.
What can employers do to address workplace harassment?
Employers should maintain appropriate workplace policies, investigate complaints promptly, and take corrective action when harassment is identified.
Workplace Harassment Legal Representation
Simas & Associates represents employees and employers in complex employment matters involving workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and related employment law issues.