How do I file a workplace harassment complaint?

Dealing with Workplace Harassment? Here’s How to File a Complaint

Nobody should have to endure harassment at work. If you’re being mistreated, you have rights and options to make it stop. Filing a formal complaint is often the first step towards resolving the situation.

Workplace harassment refers to any unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This could include offensive jokes, slurs, physical threats or assaults, or unwanted sexual advances. It’s not just “harmless teasing” - harassment is illegal and can have serious emotional and professional consequences.

What Counts as Harassment?

Harassment can take many forms, but it typically involves:

• Verbal abuse like insults, slurs, or derogatory comments about race, gender, age, disability, etc.
• Physical harassment such as unwanted touching, blocking movements, or physical threats/assaults.
• Visual harassment like displaying offensive images, objects, or gestures.
• Sexual harassment including unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal/physical conduct of a sexual nature.

It doesn’t have to be intentionally malicious to qualify as harassment. If the behavior is unwelcome and creates a hostile environment, that’s harassment.

3 Surprising Facts

1. Workplace harassment often goes unreported, with up to 75% of incidents never getting formally addressed.
2. Men experience harassment too - around 1 in 5 harassment charges filed with the EEOC are from men.
3. Harassment doesn’t require an imbalance of power - coworkers on the same level can harass each other.

How to File a Complaint

If you’re being harassed at work, document everything and follow these steps:

1. Review company policy. Most organizations have procedures for reporting harassment - follow them closely.

2. Talk to a manager or HR. Explain the situation clearly and ask how to file a formal complaint. Get their response in writing.

3. File a written complaint. Include specifics like dates, times, locations, witnesses, and a description of each incident.

4. Allow an investigation. Your employer must investigate the complaint promptly and take appropriate corrective action.

5. Consider outside help. If your employer doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The process can be daunting, but don’t let harassment go unchecked. Your workplace should be a safe, respectful environment.

Learn More

• Hostile Work Environment: When harassment becomes a pattern of offensive behavior.
• Quid Pro Quo Harassment: When job benefits are tied to unwelcome sexual advances.
• Workplace Bullying: Repeated mistreatment that threatens health and safety.