Work Harassment – What To Look For
Employees should be aware of the fact that there are laws in place to protect them from workplace harassment. Unfortunately, work harassment is all too common. If you have experienced harassment in your workplace, you can contact a Utah employment lawyer who can assist you in standing up for your rights.
As an employee, there are some basic things you should know about harassment so that you can identify it and respond accordingly.
What Is Considered Harassment at Work
Any unwelcome conduct at the workplace that is based on factors such as race or sex can be considered harassment, according to Utah law. The following are some of the factors that harassment in the workplace is most frequently based on.
- Age
- Race
- Country of origin
- Family medical history or genetic characteristics
- Religion
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
Unwelcome conduct can also be considered harassment if it results from an employee filing a charge against the employer or expressing opposition to workplace behavior that they believe constitutes discrimination.
While unpleasant and unwanted interactions focusing on these factors can constitute harassment, harassment in the workplace is not considered illegal until it begins to impact the entire work environment negatively. Work harassment also becomes illegal when putting up with harassment becomes necessary to continue working for the company in question.
Who Is Responsible for Work Harassment?
Harassment can come from anyone in the workplace. Harassment does not necessarily have to come from the boss or supervisor of the victim. However, the victim should make it clear that the conduct that constitutes harassment is unwanted.
If such conduct continues even after the harasser has been notified that it is unwelcome, victims should notify management to hopefully end the harassment. Employees should then take legal action if harassment does not end even after they have attempted to raise concerns within the company.
Who Can File a Work Harassment Claim?
Typically, the victim of harassment will pursue a workplace harassment claim. However, the victim does not always file a claim. Because work harassment creates a hostile work environment, it can negatively impact many people within the workplace.
Anyone who has been negatively impacted by work harassment and a hostile work environment could potentially take action to stop the harassment and penalize the responsible party. It is important to note that a victim of work harassment does not have to have been negatively impacted financially by the situation to pursue a harassment claim against their employer or harasser.
The Employer’s Responsibilities
An employer can be held responsible for workplace harassment if that employer does not respond to it properly. Employers are considered particularly liable if harassment and a hostile work environment lead to issues like reductions in pay, employee firings, or refusals to give promotions to or hire certain individuals.
Employers can avoid liability in harassment cases if they can demonstrate that they did their part to try to end the offensive conduct. When employers are not recognized as responsible, action is typically taken against the employee or employees responsible for the harassment.
Taking Action Against Workplace Harassment
Employees who believe they have been subjected to unlawful harassment in their workplace should consult employment Provo lawyers. If you are looking for Provo lawyers with experience in work harassment cases, get in touch with Howard, Lewis & Petersen, P.C. We will answer your questions about the harassment situations you are currently dealing with so that you know what steps to take in response.
Our law firm is here to protect your right as an employee to work in a harassment-free environment. Call us today for a free consultation to ensure that harassers and employers are held responsible for the toxic work environments that they create.
