There are many types of workplace harassment that may make a person’s job one they no longer enjoy. Depending on the circumstances, someone may feel uncomfortable, threatened, or even consider quitting their job because of the harassment they experience on a regular basis. Many victims do not know what to do or how to approach the situation. Those who are interested in learning more about harassment in the workplace and what steps to take may want to consider scheduling a consultation with the experienced employment attorneys at Hall & Lampros, LLP at (404) 876-8100.
Factors in Workplace Harassment
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) harassment in the workplace is defined as any behavior, whether verbal or physical, that is based on:
- Sex
- Age (40 or older)
- Genetic information
- Nationality
- Gender identity
- Mental or physical disability
- Race
- Color
- Religion
Workplace harassment is unlawful when the victim must endure the offensive conduct in order to remain employed, or the conduct is extreme to the point the work environment becomes hostile, abusive, or intimidating.
Types of Harassment in the Workplace
There are several different types of harassment that workers may experience in the workplace.
Sexual Harassment
While sexual harassment victims are often women, men have also been sexually harassed in the workplace. While not always obvious, sexual harassment may take the form of sharing sexual jokes or pornography, inappropriate touching, sending emails or texts that are sexual in nature, unwanted sexual advances, or being required to trade off sexual favors to remain employed or be promoted. Sexual harassment also can take the form assault – offensive and unwanted sexual touching. There are strict time limits within which you must file a charge for sexual harassment with the EEOC – so you should speak with a lawyer promptly if you have faced sexual harassment.
Racial Harassment
Racial harassment may be based on someone’s color, nationality, language, or culture and may include ridicule, threats, remarks about a co-worker’s accent, continual race-based jokes, or other misconduct that is visual, physical, verbal, or written. Derogatory comments about a person’s hairstyle or clothing can also be interpreted as racial harassment. There are strict time limits within which you must file a charge for racial harassment with the EEOC – so you should speak with a lawyer promptly if you have faced sexual harassment.
Harassment Based on Other Protected Classes
Any harassment directed at an employee because they are the member of a protected class violated federal law. This means harassment based on the following is illegal: sexual preference, gender identity, disability, nationality, color, religion, and race.
Reporting Workplace Harassment
Every person has the right to work in an environment that is safe and free from harassment. There are certain steps that should be taken when reporting harassment depending on the situation including the following:
- Try to resolve the problem with the harasser in a way that is calm and non-threatening, unless the harassment is physical
- Report the harassment to your supervisor or manager. If s(he) is the perpetrator, escalate the issue to the human resource (HR) department
- Contact the EEOC when immediate and company managers or HR fail to deal with your harassment case in a way that is satisfactory
Unlike some metro areas and municipalities that have agencies and laws in place that regulate the conduct in the workplace, Georgia does not. Those who need help may want to consider speaking with an employment law attorney.
Consider Scheduling a Consultation with Hall & Lampros, LLP
Harassment in the workplace has been a problem for decades, and given the world we live in today, has become even more of an issue. Whether sexual, physical, racial, psychological, or otherwise, employees have the right to work in an environment that is safe and free from any type of harassment. Those who want to learn more about workplace harassment and how to handle it may want to consider contacting Hall & Lampros, LLP at (404) 876-8100.
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