Harassment and bullying in the workplace are prevalent, and in many instances illegal. Laws now protect employees from many different types of hostile conduct in the workplace, and an experienced attorney can make certain that those who are subjected to such conduct receive the full benefits of the laws designed to protect them.
How common is Workplace Harassment?
It is believed that bullying remains the most common form of workplace harassment. Such conduct can be illegal if it is based on the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or parental status.
To be illegal, the harassing conduct must be unwelcome, and based on the person’s protected status. In determining whether the conduct is illegal, courts will typically look to the effect of the conduct on the individual, the severity and pervasiveness of the conduct, the frequency of the conduct, the humiliation or physical harm caused by the conduct, and the extent to which the conduct interfered with the target’s ability to perform at work.
Can an Employer be Held Liable for Allowing Such Harassment?
If an employer has been put on notice that such conduct is occurring, and the employer fails to take action to prevent it, the employer can face significant liability.
If you believe that you or someone you know has been subjected to a hostile work environment or other form of workplace harassment, you should contact Elliot Felig & Associates to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you with discrimination and harassment issues. You can have a free consultation on these matters by calling 212-828-2770.
