There is a wide variety of workplace verbal harassment tactics. Verbal harassment, whether in the form of bullying, slander, or direct threats, may have devastating effects on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Not only is physical harassment prohibited, but so is verbal harassment based on protected categories, including race, gender, and ethnicity. As a victim of workplace harassment, knowing your legal options is crucial.
There is a spectrum of severity when it comes to verbal harassment in the workplace. Keep in mind that the law may not punish you if you only verbally harass someone. However, if words or acts are used that are deemed offensive to others, the harassment might be considered criminal in the workplace. To know more, visit this page.
What Kinds of Words Constitute Harassment?
Verbal harassment can take the form of, for instance:
- Name-calling.
- Teasing.
- Insults.
- Put-downs and jokes.
- Screaming or yelling loudly.
Negatively discussing someone behind their back or spreading rumours about them is another kind of this. Fear and stress are common results of this kind of behaviour, and they make it tough for workers to accomplish their tasks well and feel comfortable in the workplace.
Tips for Handling Verbal Abuse
The first thing to do if you are being verbally harassed at work is to keep track of instances and report them to human resources. Be assured that if you discuss a problem with Human Resources or file a formal complaint against a coworker or supervisor, your firm cannot take retaliatory action against you.
If your conversation with HR does not yield results, you may want to consider taking your grievance to higher management. A complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission might also be in order (EEOC). If these measures fail to produce results, you may want to consult with an employment lawyer to determine your next course of action.
When Does Verbal Harassment Become Illegal?
Any form of verbal abuse directed towards another individual because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability is unlawful. This sort of treatment is illegal on a federal level since it constitutes discrimination. An attorney should be consulted quickly if workplace discrimination is a problem for you.
Words of contempt in the workplace are unacceptable. Knowing when this kind of conduct crosses the line into illegal territory will allow you to take the necessary steps to safeguard your professional reputation and employment.
