Workplace Harassment — Your Rights and How to Report It
Workplace Harassment — Your Rights and How to Report It
Workplace harassment is more than just uncomfortable — in many situations, it is prohibited under federal and state rules. And you have the right to do something about it.
What Counts as Prohibited Harassment?
Under federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and related statutes), harassment is prohibited when it is based on a protected characteristic and is either:
- Severe (a single very serious incident), or
- Pervasive (repeated behavior that creates a hostile work environment)
Protected characteristics include: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, pregnancy, and genetic information.
Examples of illegal harassment:
- Repeated sexual comments or advances
- Racial slurs or jokes
- Being excluded, demoted, or punished after reporting misconduct
- Physical intimidation or threats
What Your Employer Must Do
Employers are required to:
- Have a harassment policy
- Investigate complaints promptly
- Take corrective action when harassment is found
- Not retaliate against you for reporting
If your employer fails to do these things, they can be held responsible — not just the individual harasser.
How to Report
Step 1: Internal complaint
Report to HR in writing. Keep a copy. This creates a record and gives your employer a chance to fix the problem.
Step 2: EEOC complaint
If HR doesn’t act — or retaliates against you — file a charge with the EEOC within 180 days of the harassment (300 days in states with their own agency).
- 1-800-669-4000 | www.eeoc.gov
Step 3: State agency
Most states have their own civil rights agency that handles harassment complaints. They may offer additional remedies beyond what the EEOC provides.
Document Everything
- Dates, times, and exact words used
- Names of witnesses
- Any written communications (emails, texts)
- Your internal complaint and the company’s response (or lack of one)