Are you a victim of workplace harassment?

If an employee feels humiliated, intimidated, threatened or ostracized on the job because he/she is in one of the protected categories, he/she could be in an illegal hostile work environment.

Workplace harassment can take many forms. Cases have been successful where the employee suffered from racist, sexist or otherwise abusive comments based on the employee’s protected status; unfair criticism and defamatory performance reviews; abusive workplace behavior; offensive language; the display of offensive material; or excluding or isolating a staff member.

Unwelcome behavior can come from supervisors, co-workers, customers, contractors or anyone else to create a hostile work environment or atmosphere. They may make requests for sexual favors or subject someone to inappropriate touching, physical conduct or advances. You may have experienced harassment if someone has been repeatedly hostile to you, you’ve constantly been put down, cut off from opportunities to advance or often feel like you’ve been bullied, intimidated, or made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Treatment can take many forms and is based on your age, gender, race, national origin, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

It is equally important to know what is NOT considered workplace harassment. Some examples include: disagreements or differences of opinion with a supervisor or colleague; feedback and counsel to address poor performance or inappropriate behavior; or being reprimanded or disciplined for workplace misconduct. Employers also are permitted to relocate or reassign employees and request that they follow written company rules and policies.

Smith Mullin is a champion for employees in the workplace. Contact us to learn how to navigate your unique situation – and to make sure you do not suffer retaliation if you report a violation.

Click here to read more about the types of workplace discrimination.