Harassment or Bullying? What Every Employer Needs to Understand

By Katie Herrera on May 02, 2025
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Workplace harassment scene showing an employee facing mistreatment from a colleague

Workplace harassment and bullying are more than just buzzwords—they're serious issues that impact morale, performance, and legal exposure. While harassment is more likely to rise to the level of illegality, both behaviors involve patterns of mistreatment that can quietly undermine your company culture if left unchecked.

From decreased productivity to increased turnover and reputational risk, the consequences are real. Fortunately, employers can reduce these risks by knowing how to spot inappropriate behavior early and putting policies in place that create a safe, inclusive work environment.

RELATED: The High Cost of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace  >>

Why It Matters: The Business Impact of Harassment and Bullying

  • Increased absenteeism, turnover, accidents, and employee assistance costs

  • Decreased productivity and morale

  • Damaged reputation, brand image, and customer confidence

  • Decline in customer service quality

  • Lower profitability

  • Greater risk of legal action

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What Is Workplace Harassment?

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines harassment as "unwelcome conduct based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information."

Harassment becomes illegal when enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or creates a hostile work environment. Common examples include:

  • Slurs, distasteful jokes, epithets, or name-calling

  • Threats, intimidation, physical assaults, or interference with job performance

  • Requests for sexual favors or inappropriate comments

  • Ridicule, mockery, or public insults

  • Display of offensive objects or images

The harasser can be a supervisor, manager, co-worker, or even a non-employee such as a customer or vendor.

RELATED: Defining Zero Tolerance to Curb Sexual Harassment at Work >>

What Is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying involves repeated mistreatment with the intent to cause emotional harm. It may or may not involve illegal behavior, but it always creates a toxic work environment.

Examples include:

  • Verbal abuse, humiliation, or insults

  • Sabotage, public reprimands, or threats

  • Social exclusion or targeted peer pressure

  • Nonverbal intimidation or mocking

Bullying becomes a legal issue when it targets someone based on a protected category, such as race, sex, disability, or religion—in which case it may also qualify as harassment.

Three Ways Employers Can Take Action

1. Establish a Clear Anti-Harassment and Anti-Bullying Policy

Create a comprehensive policy that clearly defines prohibited behaviors, outlines confidential reporting channels, and explains potential consequences. Make sure employees know their concerns will be taken seriously.

2. Respond Promptly and Consistently

Treat all reports seriously and investigate promptly. If misconduct is confirmed, take corrective action based on the severity and duration of the offense. Document everything.

3. Provide Ongoing Training

Offer training at hire and annually thereafter. Educate employees and supervisors about what constitutes harassment and bullying, how to report it, and why a respectful culture matters. Consider including civility training to foster mutual respect.

RELATED: How Employers Can Be Held Liable for Workplace Social Media Harassment >>

Build a Respectful, Compliant Workplace with Axcet

Toxic behavior in the workplace is never harmless—and it rarely stays contained. Axcet HR Solutions helps small and mid-sized businesses create cultures where harassment and bullying are never tolerated.

From policy development to training and third-party investigations, our certified HR and employee relations experts provide the guidance and tools you need to stay compliant and protect your team.

Need support managing workplace behavior issues? Talk to Axcet HR Solutions today »

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Written by Katie Herrera

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