The Six Types of Harassment That Can Damage Your Workplace

By Grace Collins on May 02, 2025
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Not on My Watch: Six Types of Harassment in the Workplace

Since the #MeToo movement pushed workplace harassment into the national spotlight, employers have become more aware of their obligations to maintain respectful, inclusive work environments.

But sexual harassment isn’t the only concern. Today, harassment can take many forms—and failing to recognize or address it can damage your culture, reputation and bottom line.

There are many reasons employers should be vigilant about ensuring their companies are harassment-free zones. Harassing conduct, left unchecked, gives rise to a hostile and intimidating work environment that wrecks employee morale, damages company culture and brand reputation, reduces productivity and makes it harder to recruit top job candidates.

 

What Qualifies as Workplace Harassment?

In a broad sense, workplace harassment is any behavior that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

More specifically, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines harassment as unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

5 New Sexual Harassment Workplace Rules

Six Common Types of Workplace Harassment

Employers should be on the lookout for all forms of harassment, including:

1. Intimidation

Overly authoritative behavior, excessive micromanagement, shouting, swearing, threatening conduct or humiliating treatment.

2. Ridicule

Excessive teasing or belittling an employee in front of others.

3. Sexual Harassment

Unwanted physical contact, inappropriate jokes or comments, suggestive remarks, requests for sexual favors in exchange for workplace benefits or sharing explicit content.

4. Assault

Any form of physical violence, including hitting, pushing or physical intimidation.

5. Bullying

Name-calling, insults, public humiliation, peer pressure or deliberate exclusion.

6. Discriminatory Actions

Slurs or derogatory remarks related to race, age, disability, religion, national origin or any other protected characteristic.

RELATED: Workplace Sexual Harassment Investigation - 13 Steps >>

Harassment and Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation

In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII protections extend to sexual orientation and gender identity. That means any harassment based on an individual’s LGBTQ+ status may be considered unlawful under federal law.

For example, repeatedly and intentionally misgendering an employee or refusing to use the name and pronouns they identify with may constitute harassment. Employers must update policies and training programs to reflect these protections.

RELATED: Social Media Harassment in the Workplace and Employer Liability >>

How to Respond to Harassment Claims

If you observe harassment or receive a report from an employee, it’s critical to act quickly. Conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation.

Consider involving your HR team or a third-party HR partner like Axcet HR Solutions to ensure the process is fair and well-documented. Legal counsel may be appropriate in more complex cases.

Creating a Culture That Prevents Harassment

The best way to address harassment is to prevent it from taking root. Employers can foster a safe, inclusive workplace by:

  • Modeling respectful behavior from leadership

  • Establishing and enforcing clear, written anti-harassment policies

  • Training all employees, especially supervisors, to recognize and report harassment

  • Encouraging a speak-up culture where concerns can be shared without fear of retaliation

RELATED: Is Your Anti-Harassment Policy Effective in the Eyes of the EEOC >>

 

Take Action to Prevent All Forms of Workplace Harassment

Harassment isn't always obvious—and it’s not limited to sexual misconduct. From verbal abuse to intimidation and retaliation, employers have a responsibility to recognize, prevent, and address all types of harassment in the workplace. A strong policy, consistent enforcement, and informed leadership are key to building a safe, respectful environment.

Axcet HR Solutions’ employee relations consultants provide the expert support you need to manage risk, stay compliant, and foster a culture of accountability.


Learn how our employee relations services can help protect your people and your business.

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Written by Grace Collins

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