Harassment in the workplace can make it incredibly difficult to do your job every day or take care of your usual tasks and responsibilities. Many people struggle to deal with the aftermath or feel as though they have no choice but to brush off harassment in order to keep their jobs. However, workplace harassment is illegal. A Mar Vista workplace harassment lawyer could help you protect yourself, fight against harassment, and avoid potential retaliation. An employee rights attorney at Employee Civil Rights Group could advocate on your behalf and help hold your employer accountable for their misconduct.
Some types of harassment in the workplace are obvious, and you immediately know that the other party has engaged in rude or otherwise unacceptable behavior. Other types of harassment, however, may appear more subtle.
Sexual harassment is one of the most clear types of workplace harassment. It can include demeaning comments, unwanted sexual attention, or even unwanted touches or contact. Sexual harassment can also take the form of asking for favors in exchange for promotions, assignments, or raises.
Discriminatory harassment occurs when someone is treated differently on the basis of a protected class or attribute. These can include:
Some employees or employers may treat those who fall into these classes differently, including engaging in unwanted teasing or inappropriate comments.
Physical harassment includes unwanted physical contact that leaves employees feeling exposed and unprotected. Physical harassment can take the form of hitting, slapping, or pinching, but may also include undesired contact, including casual touching.
When workplace harassment occurs in an online environment, including company chats or communication platforms, it constitutes cyberbullying. Some bullies prefer the separation of a screen, which means they do not have to look directly at the person they are harassing. These negative comments, however, can still prove highly damaging to the person receiving them. Cyberbullying can also take the form of emails or other communications sent directly to an employee.
A Mar Vista attorney could help identify what type of workplace harassment you are facing and explore legal options to hold the employer accountable.
If you are harassed at work, there are several steps you can take. First, remove yourself from the immediate situation, if possible. If you are in danger, including danger of physical or sexual harassment, you may need to leave the area or even leave work.
Next, report the harassment to your employer. This may mean:
Document all instances of harassment and any attempts you make to report or put a stop to the situation.
In many cases, your employer will take care of the harassment issue once it has been reported. However, if you do not receive a reasonable solution that ends the workplace harassment, get in touch with a Mar Vista lawyer. An attorney could explain your rights and help you file a claim against your employer.
Dealing with harassment in the workplace can leave you feeling drained and frustrated. When your employer will not take care of the issue, or you have questions about your rights, a Mar Vista workplace harassment lawyer could help. Contact Employee Civil Rights Group today to discuss how to protect yourself from harassment.
