Define harassment and identify its common forms and targets to establish a clear baseline for recognizing inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
Understanding Harassment: Definitions and Forms
Define harassment and identify its common forms and targets to establish a clear baseline for recognizing inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
Definition of Harassment
Harassment is unwelcome conduct that targets an individual or group and creates a hostile work environment. It can affect a person's ability to work, feel safe, or participate fully in the workplace.
Forms of Harassment
Harassment can be verbal, physical, written, or visual. Verbal includes insults, threats, or demeaning language. Physical includes unwanted touching or blocking progress. Written includes emails or messages. Visual includes posters, memes, or symbols.
Protected Characteristics
Harassment can be based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or other legally protected attributes. Conduct is harassment when it targets such characteristics and is unwelcome.