What Counts as Harassment by a Boss in the Workplace?

Award-Winning California Employment Law Firm Since 2012
On Behalf of Law Offices of Eric A. Boyajian | June 28, 2023 Harassment & Discrimination

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can have a detrimental impact on your wellbeing, job satisfaction, and overall work environment. When it comes to harassment, it’s important to understand what behaviors cross the line and what constitutes inappropriate conduct from a boss. In this post, we’ll explore various forms of harassment and shed light on what counts as harassment by your boss at work.

Verbal Harassment

Verbal harassment refers to any unwelcome comments or slurs that target an employee’s race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or other protected characteristic. Plus, it can also stretch to making hurtful or harmful comments about somebody’s appearance or other personal things about them that are not related to their work.

Bosses should not make derogatory remarks, engage in offensive banter, or use language that creates a hostile or uncomfortable work environment. Such behavior is not only disrespectful, but also undermines the employee’s dignity and right to work in a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Any type of language that belittles, humiliates, or marginalizes an employee is unacceptable and should be addressed promptly.

Physical Harassment

Physical harassment involves any unwanted physical contact, invasion of personal space, or gestures that are intended to intimidate, harm, or humiliate an employee. It’s important for bosses in the workplace to respect personal boundaries and maintain a professional distance from their team. Physical harassment can range from unwelcome touching to more severe actions like pushing, grabbing, or even assault.

While physical harassment by a boss is often more overt, it’s important to note that even seemingly harmless actions like invading personal space or unwanted hugs can still be considered harassment if they are not welcomed or create a hostile work environment. As an employee, you have the right to feel safe and secure while at work, free from any physical intimidation or harm.

Sexual Harassment

This form of harassment includes requests for sexual favors, unwanted sexual advances, or any other conduct that is of a sexual nature. Bosses must understand that any form of sexual harassment is strictly prohibited at work. This includes making unwanted sexual comments, gestures, or engaging in inappropriate physical contact.

Some examples of sexual harassment may include unwelcome touching, persistent sexual advances, displaying explicit materials, making sexually suggestive jokes, or asking employees to provide sexual favors in return for employee benefits. Such behavior creates a hostile work environment and is a violation of an employee’s rights. It’s important that employers establish clear policies and procedures to prevent and address instances of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Emotional and Psychological Harassment

Also known as psychological abuse, emotional and psychological harassment can have long-lasting effects on an employee’s mental and emotional wellbeing. It involves any behaviors that manipulate, degrade, or control an employee, causing them emotional distress or harm. Bosses should never engage in any tactics that undermine employees’ self-esteem, threaten their job security, or create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Some examples of emotional and psychological harassment or abuse may include constant belittlement and humiliation, threats of termination, excessive criticism, or the deliberate exclusion of an employee from important work activities or social events. Bosses should create a supportive, respectful work environment that encourages collaboration and open communication, rather than engaging in harmful behaviors that may have a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of their team.

Getting Support

If you have been a victim of harassment by a boss in your workplace, it’s crucial to take action and seek the support you need. At the law offices of Eric A. Boyajian, we’re here to help you navigate through this challenging situation and ensure that your rights are protected.

With our extensive experience in employment law and a deep understanding of workplace harassment cases, our legal team is dedicated to advocating for justice on behalf of employees who have faced mistreatment at the hands of their superiors. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in harassment cases and fighting for fair compensation and accountability.

Reach out to us today and gain access to a compassionate and knowledgeable team of attorneys who will assess the details of your case and guide you through the legal process with professional and expertise. We work tirelessly to ensure that your voice is heard, and your rights are upheld. Take the first step towards seeking justice and reclaiming your dignity.

Visit our office or call us today:

450 N Brand Blvd #613, Glendale, CA 91203

Call us today for a free consultation, on (818) 839-5969.

SHARE US WITH