What you learn:
- Define harassment, bullying, and discrimination with clear criteria
- Differentiate between protected and non-protected characteristics
- Identify examples across verbal, written, and behavior-based actions
- Understand the impact on individuals, teams, and business outcomes
- Recognize when escalation is required and where to seek guidance
Description:
This module clarifies the key terms used in workplace conduct policies and supports learners in recognizing when behavior crosses lines. You will explore examples of harassment, bullying, and discrimination, understand why each is harmful, and learn the basic legal and ethical implications for organizations and individuals. The course uses realistic scenarios to help you identify subtle and explicit conduct that can create a hostile or unsafe work environment.
By the end, you will have a solid framework to distinguish between problematic actions and acceptable workplace interactions, laying the foundation for respectful behaviors and compliant practices across teams and locations.
Case Study 1: Repeated Mocking
A team member is repeatedly mocked for a disability during meetings, with others joining in and a supervisor not intervening. This pattern shows harassment based on disability identity and creates a hostile environment.
Case Study 2: Single Incident with Threatening Language
In an argument, a coworker makes a single, severe threat. The person feels unsafe. If threats target identity or safety, it may constitute harassment or bullying depending on policy and impact.
Case Study 3: Exclusion from Information
A contractor is routinely excluded from critical updates and decisions. The behavior undermines work and can be bullying due to power imbalance and social exclusion.
Key Takeaways
Look for patterns, power dynamics, and measurable impact on wellbeing. Consistency in applying policy and timely remediation are essential for protecting everyone and improving the workplace.