Employees in the greater Los Angeles area expect that they will be treated with respect and professionalism in the workplace. However, this is not always the case and some workers will find they are the subject of workplace harassment. This can be a stressful and upsetting experience, so it is helpful to understand what constitutes unlawful harassment in the workplace.
Types of harassment
First, while some types of harassment are physical in nature, other types are psychological in nature. For example, offensive jokes or slurs, along with name-calling, intimidation, mockery, offensive pictures and interfering with job duties are all types or workplace harassment, along with physical harassment such as assault.
In addition, workplace harassment is not limited to harassment by the victim’s boss. Other supervisors, co-workers or even nonemployees can commit workplace harassment. In addition, the victim of harassment can include any workers affected by it, not just the direct recipient of the harassment itself. In addition, harassment can occur even if the victim did not suffer monetary damages or if the victim is not fired.
Do not let harassment go unreported
It is important that, while it may be intimidating, victims of workplace harassment can report the offensive treatment and seek damages or reinstatement. Many workplaces have internal processes to follow if you have been harassed in the workplace. If these processes do not lead to a satisfactory result, an investigation can be performed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In the end, it is important to take action if you are harassed in the workplace to avoid further harassment and to ensure you are safe.
