Workplace harassment is an unfortunate reality that affects employees across industries and professions. It not only creates a toxic work environment but also significantly impacts the mental and emotional well-being of the individuals involved. Understanding the types of workplace harassment is essential to recognizing inappropriate behavior and taking the necessary steps to address it.
In this guide, explore the 10 most common types of workplace harassment — from the subtle to the overt — and learn how each can manifest in professional environments.
1. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is one of the most widely reported and recognized forms of harassment in the workplace. It includes:
Sexual harassment can occur between coworkers, supervisors and subordinates, or even third parties like clients. It creates a hostile work environment and may result in severe psychological and career-related consequences for victims.
2. Verbal Harassment
Verbal harassment involves the use of spoken words to demean, belittle, or threaten another employee. It can be direct or subtle and includes:
Often dismissed as "just joking," verbal harassment can cause emotional distress and contribute to a culture of fear and intimidation.
3. Physical Harassment
Physical harassment is the use of physical force or gestures to intimidate or harm someone in the workplace. It includes:
This type of harassment not only violates workplace conduct but can also lead to criminal charges. Physical safety is a fundamental right, and any violation should be reported immediately.
4. Psychological or Emotional Harassment
Emotional harassment involves tactics aimed at undermining a person’s confidence, causing mental stress, or destabilizing their position. Common signs include:
Psychological harassment is often covert and long-term, making it difficult to detect but incredibly damaging to a person's morale and productivity.
5. Cyber Harassment
With the rise of digital communication in the workplace, cyber harassment has become increasingly prevalent. This includes:
Cyber harassment can happen both during and outside work hours and is particularly challenging because of its potential reach and permanence online.
6. Discriminatory Harassment
Discriminatory harassment occurs when employees are treated unfairly based on characteristics protected under employment laws. This includes:
Examples may include offensive jokes, slurs, or exclusion based on these attributes. Discriminatory harassment is not only unethical — it's illegal and should be addressed with the support of HR or legal action.
7. Retaliation Harassment
This form of harassment occurs when an employee faces negative consequences after reporting inappropriate behavior or exercising a legal right. Retaliation can include:
Fear of retaliation often prevents victims from speaking out. Organizations must have clear policies that protect whistleblowers and encourage transparency.
8. Third-Party Harassment
Third-party harassment is committed by individuals who are not direct employees of the organization but interact with employees, such as:
For example, a customer making inappropriate remarks to a cashier or a vendor harassing a receptionist qualifies as third-party harassment. Employers have a responsibility to protect their staff from such behavior by establishing boundaries and taking complaints seriously.
9. Power Harassment (Abuse of Authority)
Power harassment, also known as workplace bullying, occurs when a person in a higher position misuses their authority to control or intimidate others. Examples include:
This form of harassment often goes unchecked due to the perpetrator’s seniority, but it significantly damages team morale and employee retention.
10. Constructive Dismissal (Harassment Leading to Resignation)
Constructive dismissal happens when an employee is forced to resign because the working conditions become intolerable due to continuous harassment. This can involve:
While the resignation may appear voluntary, the law can interpret it as wrongful termination under certain circumstances. Victims may have grounds to pursue legal recourse.
Recognizing the Signs of Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is not always obvious. Subtle or covert forms can go unnoticed or unreported. Warning signs may include:
Employers must foster a culture of respect, implement strong anti-harassment policies, and offer safe reporting channels to combat harassment in all its forms.
What to Do If You Experience Harassment
If you are a victim of workplace harassment, consider taking the following steps:
Final Thoughts
Workplace harassment is more than just an HR issue — it’s a cultural challenge that requires active participation from employers and employees alike. Recognizing the various forms of harassment is the first step toward prevention, accountability, and creating a respectful workplace for all.
From sexual and verbal harassment to digital abuse and power dynamics, no form of harassment should be tolerated or ignored. Organizations that invest in education, training, and enforcement of anti-harassment policies will not only protect their workforce but also boost morale, productivity, and long-term success.
If you're dealing with workplace harassment or suspect someone else is, don’t stay silent. Knowledge is power — and taking action is the first step toward change.
