It is necessary to understand the different types of harassment because many people mistakenly believe that sexual harassment is the only form of harassment that can occur in the workplace. While sexual harassment is indeed one of the most prevalent types, it is far from the only one. Many states and local governments have specific anti-discrimination laws that outline and prohibit various forms of harassment, sometimes targeting unique and specific protected classes.
Harassment is generally defined as any speech or action that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile or abusive work environment. The following is a primer on various types of harassment that may occur in the workplace or other settings, many of which are often overlooked in traditional training programs.
What are the different types of harassment?
Harassment can be categorized in multiple ways. Below are some of the most common types:
1. Gender Identification Harassment
This type of harassment targets individuals based on their gender identity or expression. It includes derogatory comments, exclusion, or unfair treatment based on whether a person identifies as male, female, non-binary, or any other gender identity. Many jurisdictions have laws protecting individuals from this form of discrimination.
2. Racial Harassment
Racial harassment involves any form of discriminatory behavior based on an individual’s race or ethnicity. It can include racial slurs, offensive jokes, stereotyping, and exclusion from workplace activities or promotions due to race. Racial harassment is a serious issue that contributes to a toxic work environment and is legally prohibited under various laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
3. Religious Harassment
This type of harassment occurs when individuals are discriminated against or treated unfairly because of their religious beliefs or practices. It includes mocking religious attire, forcing someone to participate in certain religious activities, or penalizing someone for requesting time off for religious observances. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
4. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is one of the most well-known forms of workplace harassment. It includes unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments, suggestive gestures, and any behavior that creates a sexually hostile work environment. Sexual harassment can occur between colleagues, supervisors, and even clients.
5. National Origin Harassment
This form of harassment occurs when an individual is mistreated because of their nationality, accent, or perceived country of origin. It may involve name-calling, offensive jokes, exclusion from work opportunities, or unfair treatment due to a person’s ethnic background.
6. Age Harassment
Age-based harassment involves discrimination against individuals due to their age, typically targeting older employees. It can include derogatory comments about someone’s ability to perform tasks, denial of promotions, or forced early retirement. Laws such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) offer protections against this form of discrimination.
7. Disability Harassment
Harassment based on disability includes mocking, excluding, or refusing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunities in the workplace, and any form of mistreatment or denial of accommodations can be considered harassment.
8. Sexual Orientation Harassment
This type of harassment targets individuals based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. It can include offensive remarks, jokes, or unfair treatment of employees who identify as LGBTQ+. Many states and companies have anti-discrimination policies that specifically protect individuals from sexual orientation harassment.
9. Veteran Status Harassment
Veterans can also be subjected to harassment due to their military background. This can include stereotyping, offensive remarks about military service, or refusal to hire veterans due to preconceived notions about their experiences. Federal laws, such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), protect veterans from workplace discrimination and harassment.
Conclusion
Harassment can take many forms, and it is essential to recognize that it extends beyond just sexual harassment. Creating a safe and inclusive workplace requires awareness, education, and enforcement of anti-harassment policies. Employers and employees alike should be knowledgeable about the different types of harassment to prevent a toxic work environment and ensure equal treatment for all individuals.
