How to Recognize Different Forms of Workplace Harassment & Immediate Steps to Take When Harassment Occurs

Verbal Harassment

Verbal harassment encompasses a wide range of spoken communications that create a hostile work environment. This includes:

Obvious Forms:

- Racial, ethnic, or religious slurs - Sexual comments about appearance or body - Derogatory jokes about protected characteristics - Threats of violence or harm - Unwanted sexual propositions

Subtle Forms:

- Persistent comments about appearance - "Compliments" that focus on physical attributes - Stereotypical assumptions voiced aloud - Exclusionary language that marginalizes certain groups - Questioning someone's qualifications based on protected characteristics

Physical Harassment

Physical harassment involves unwanted touching, gestures, or invasion of personal space:

Direct Physical Contact:

- Unwanted touching, hugging, or kissing - Blocking someone's path or cornering them - Inappropriate touching during conversations - Sexual assault or attempted assault

Non-Contact Physical Harassment:

- Obscene gestures - Displaying inappropriate images or materials - Standing too close or invading personal space - Throwing objects or making threatening movements

Visual and Environmental Harassment

This form of harassment creates a hostile environment through visual displays:

- Sexually explicit or offensive posters, cartoons, or images - Graffiti containing slurs or offensive language - Screen savers or computer backgrounds with inappropriate content - Wearing clothing with offensive messages or images - Displaying symbols associated with hate groups

Digital and Electronic Harassment

With the rise of remote work and digital communication, electronic harassment has become increasingly common:

- Inappropriate emails or messages - Harassment through company communication platforms - Sharing inappropriate content through work systems - Cyberstalking through work-related social media - Using work technology to access or display offensive material

Document Everything Immediately

Create a Harassment Log: Start documenting incidents immediately. Include: - Date, time, and location of each incident - Names of people involved (harassers, witnesses) - Exact words spoken or actions taken - Your response to the incident - Any witnesses present - How the incident made you feel - Any work-related impact Preserve Evidence: Save any physical evidence such as: - Emails, text messages, or voicemails - Photos of offensive materials or graffiti - Screenshots of inappropriate digital content - Audio recordings (where legally permissible) - Any written communications related to the harassment

Communicate Clearly That Conduct is Unwelcome

While not legally required, clearly communicating that behavior is unwelcome can strengthen your case:

Direct Communication: If you feel safe doing so, clearly tell the harasser that their behavior is unwelcome. Use phrases like: - "That comment is inappropriate and unwelcome." - "Please stop making comments about my [appearance/background/etc.]." - "I don't appreciate those kinds of jokes." Written Communication: Follow up verbal objections with written communication when possible: - Send an email summarizing what you said in person - Document your objection in your harassment log - Keep copies of any written objections you make

Report Through Proper Channels

Review Company Policy: Examine your employee handbook for: - Harassment reporting procedures - Available reporting channels - Investigation processes - Anti-retaliation policies Make the Report: Follow your company's procedures, but also: - Report in writing when possible - Keep copies of all reports you file - Follow up if you don't receive acknowledgment - Document any delays or failures to respond