How to Handle Workplace Harassment

Everyone deserves to go to work in a safe and supportive environment, but sadly, that is not the reality for many people. Workplace harassment happens every day. It is both immoral and illegal but still happens to thousands, if not millions of employees. 

If you are being harassed at work based on a protected class you belong to (i.e., if you are being harassed about your nation of origin or gender), you should absolutely report it to your manager. But what if your manager is the one doing the harassing? The situation gets more complicated due to the power dynamics between a manager and their employees. If an employee believes their job is on the line, they may not speak up or out against the harassment they are experiencing. If you are going through this situation, there are several steps you can take.

• Ask your manager to stop their behavior. Unfortunately, some people are just tone-deaf and don’t realize that motivational butt slaps and comments like “you run like a girl” can be legally considered harassment. Your first step should always be to ask your manager firmly yet politely to end the behavior that is bothering you.
• Record every instance of harassment and save it to a personal device. Workplace phones and computers are subject to their control, which is why it is vital to keep harassment records on a device that your employer has no access to. Recording every instance of harassment, even seemingly innocuous comments, can help build a lawsuit’s timeline and abuse pattern. 
• Talk to HR. If you otherwise work in a supportive company, going to Human Resources can be helpful. Even if HR doesn’t intervene on your behalf, the HR report will prove that you tried to internally address your issues. Always ask for a copy of your HR report. It is essential to save it to a personal device along with your harassment record. 
• Contact an attorney. If your manager will not stop, and HR will not intervene, then it is time to explore your legal options. Contact an employment attorney and start building your case. 

Contact Para Los Trabajadores today for a free consultation regarding your situation at work.