Workplace Harassment Definition: What It Means and What You Can Do

Workplace Harassment Definition: What It Means and What You Can Do

Have you ever left work feeling drained—not just from the workload, but because of the way someone treated you? Maybe it’s a manager who keeps making inappropriate comments, or a coworker who’s constantly putting you down. If you’re wondering, “Is this normal… or is this harassment?” you’re not alone.

Understanding the workplace harassment definition is the first step in figuring out what’s going on and knowing what to do about it. We break down the workplace harassment definition here.

What Exactly Is Workplace Harassment?

At its core, the workplace harassment definition is about unwelcome behavior at work that’s based on things like race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. It’s not just about being treated poorly – it’s about being targeted in a way that crosses the line into discrimination or creates a toxic work environment.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), workplace harassment becomes illegal when:

1. Putting up with the behavior becomes a condition of keeping your job, or
2. The behavior is severe or happens often enough to make your work environment intimidating, hostile, or offensive.

In simpler terms, harassment isn’t just a one-off awkward comment (though sometimes even one serious incident can count). It’s about behavior that’s so bad—or so constant—that it affects your ability to do your job or feel safe at work.

Also, harassment doesn’t have to come from your boss. It could be a coworker, a customer, a vendor, or even someone from another department.

Examples of Workplace Harassment

Understanding the workplace harassment definition can sometimes be confusing until you see it in action. Here are some examples of what harassment might look like:

• Verbal harassment: Jokes or comments about your race, gender, religion, or other protected traits; slurs; offensive nicknames; repeated inappropriate remarks.
• Physical harassment: Unwanted touching, blocking your path, standing too close to intimidate, or any physical threats.
• Visual harassment: Sharing or displaying offensive memes, posters, cartoons, or images; making lewd gestures.
• Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or sexually charged comments or jokes.

Sometimes it’s loud and obvious. But other times, it’s subtle—like being repeatedly left out of meetings because of your identity, or constantly being undermined in a way others aren’t. Even small actions, over time, can add up to a hostile work environment under the workplace harassment definition.

What Isn’t Harassment?

Not every unpleasant experience falls under the workplace harassment definition, at least in the legal sense. For example:

• Your boss giving you negative feedback.
• A coworker being rude or short with you (but not based on a protected trait).
• A disagreement over work tasks.

Unless the behavior is tied to your race, gender, age, disability, or another protected characteristic—or unless it creates a severe, hostile work environment—it may not legally count as harassment. It can still be inappropriate or worth addressing, but it may not qualify under the workplace harassment definition.

How Do You Know If You’re Being Harassed?

If you’re reading this and trying to understand the workplace harassment definition, chances are you’re trying to figure out if what’s happening to you crosses the line. A few questions to ask yourself:

• Is the behavior unwelcome (something you didn’t invite or want)?
• Is it based on a protected trait (like your gender, race, religion, etc.)?
• Is it severe or happening so often that it’s making it hard to work, or making you dread going to work?

If you answered yes to these questions, you may be experiencing harassment under the workplace harassment definition. Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth paying attention to patterns and keeping track of what’s happening.

What Should You Do If You Think You’re Being Harassed?

If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to take action. You deserve to feel safe and respected at work. Here’s what you can do:

1. Start Documenting Everything

Write down every incident, no matter how small it seems. Note the date, time, what happened, who was involved, and who witnessed it. Save emails, texts, screenshots—anything that could support your case. This documentation could be crucial later on if you decide to report it.

2. Check Your Company’s Policy

Most employers have an anti-harassment policy in the employee handbook or on their intranet. Look up what’s considered harassment, how you’re supposed to report it, and who to contact. Knowing the process helps you avoid roadblocks later.

3. Report It Internally

You can report harassment to your supervisor, manager, or HR department. If your boss is the one harassing you, go directly to HR or follow the chain of reporting outlined in your company’s policy. Reporting gives your employer a chance to fix the situation—and legally, they’re required to act once they know.

4. Consider Filing an External Complaint

If your employer doesn’t take action, or if things get worse after you report it, you can file a charge with the EEOC or your state’s fair employment agency. Keep in mind that deadlines apply (usually within 180 or 300 days from the incident, depending on where you live).

5. Protect Your Mental Health

Workplace harassment takes a toll emotionally, mentally, and physically. Don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist, counselor, or your company’s employee assistance program. Talking to someone can help you process what’s happening and stay strong during a tough time.

Retaliation

A lot of people worry that speaking up will get them fired, demoted, or blacklisted. But here’s the thing: under the law, retaliation for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation is illegal.

Retaliation can show up as:

• A sudden negative performance review after you report harassment.
• Getting passed over for promotions.
• Being assigned worse shifts or duties as “punishment.”
• Being excluded from meetings or important decisions.

If this happens, document it just like you would harassment—and report it. Retaliation is a violation of your rights.

Should You Call a Lawyer?

If you’ve reported harassment and nothing has changed—or if you’re facing retaliation—it might be time to talk to an employment lawyer. Many offer free consultations and can explain your rights without any commitment to taking legal action. They can also guide you through filing a formal complaint or lawsuit if needed.

Even if you’re not sure you want to pursue legal action, having a professional on your side can give you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The workplace harassment definition boils down to this: no one should have to endure discrimination, intimidation, or a hostile environment just to earn a living.

Start by documenting what’s happening, learning your company’s policies, and using the tools and resources available to you. Speaking up isn’t always easy, but it’s an important step toward protecting yourself and creating a safer workplace for everyone.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It provides general information and is not intended and should not be construed as professional advice. The author is not your attorney, accountant, financial planner or any other professional and no professional-client relationship is created. We do not represent that the information provided is accurate or up-to-date as laws and regulations are always changing. If you have an issue that requires professional help, you should contact the appropriate professional to help you on your on your specific set of facts. Please read the Terms and Conditions for additional information.