Harassment is a very serious and sensitive area, whether in employment or in society in general. When it's in or around the workplace, it becomes especially damaging and destructive because it affects the morale, workability, and interpersonal relations of a population that needs to be able to work together smoothly, efficiently, and effectively on a daily basis.

Harassment can occur in essentially three forms— verbal, written (including pictorial), and physical . Sexual harassment can be based on gender or sexual orientation. It can occur between either opposite or same genders, and consists of words, communications, or behaviors of a sexual nature that alienate, offend, or make an employee uncomfortable and thus create an uncomfortable working environment. It can be as broad and obvious as unwanted physical advances or gestures or as subtle as a simple joke or a single word, and anywhere in between.

There are four other types of harassment as well, all of which are based on unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct directed at various characteristics of a person's state of being:

• Racial and Color —e.g., nicknames emphasizing stereotypes, racial slurs, comments on manner of speaking, and derogatory references to customers.
• Religious (or Creed) —such as negative comments regarding religious beliefs, traditions, surnames, or clothing, or religious slurs or graffiti.
• National Origin —similar to Religious or Creed, but with a specific emphasis on one's country, place of origin, or culture.
• Disability —based on a person's disabling mental or physical condition, such as imitating their manner of movement, behavior, or speech, or interfering with necessary equipment.

Have you been the victim of harassment? If you have even the slightest suspicion that someone you work with or for has infringed upon you or someone else in this way, contact us immediately. We can help you determine what actions to take.