5 Things You Might Not Think Count as Workplace Harassment but Do

Workplace harassment is defined as any discrimination received while on the job. This harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It’s a big deal, and you need to know what it looks like.

In addition to Title VII, workplace harassment also violates a multitude of state and federal regulations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission takes it very seriously. You might even be a victim of this harassment and not even know it.

We all know about sexual harassment at work, but it’s not always that blatant. Harassment can start as a simple feeling of discomfort around someone and turn into a stressful or even dangerous situation.

Here are 5 things you might not think count as workplace harassment, but they do.

5 Types of Workplace Harassment

1. Religious harassment

This type of harassment occurs when a person with different religious beliefs than is considered “normal” in the work environment is treated with intolerance or pressured to change their religion. It is often followed by degrading jokes and comments.

2. Disability harassment

Most people know that it’s not acceptable to treat those with disabilities differently than others, but these types of workplace harassment occur in subtle ways. It can consist of teasing, of course, but more often it appears in invisible forms, like failure to create reasonable accommodations or harassment when the employee has to be out sick or at doctor’s visits.

3. Ageism

Age-based harassment is becoming more and more common as technology takes over the workplace. If an employee is not comfortable with the computers and other technology required to do the job, they are either let go or made to feel pressured to leave so that a younger person can replace them.

4. Gender harassment

It’s a common argument. Men and women disagree about how fairly or unfairly they are treated at work. The truth is, gender harassment is still alive and well. This means that employees are still treated differently, depending on their job role, based on their gender. This different treatment is usually based off of cultural stereotypes of what the job is perceived to look like and how women and men are “supposed” to act. Being fired due to gender can unfortunately happen as well, and if this is the case then the employee may wish to hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer to fight their case in court. This is where gathering evidence is paramount so that it can be handled correctly.

5. Power harassment

Just like in the movies, power harassment happens with the person in charge uses intimidation tactics to try to manipulate the victim into acting a certain way or doing something they don’t want to do. This also can show up in the form of demeaning comments or impossible requests.

Workplace Harassment is Not Okay

If you or someone you know was a victim of harassment in the workplace, you need to step up. Follow your company’s protocol to report the harassment and stand up for yourself. If retaliation is a concern of yours, speak to an attorney as soon as possible so you know your rights and have someone on your side to protect them.

Workplace harassment is not acceptable, and you can help stop it in its tracks.