Behavior That Isn’t “Illegal” is Still Harassment (And Will Affect Your Workplace)

You know all about harassment in the workplace—sexual harassment, discrimination, hostile work environments—but what about harassment that doesn’t necessarily fall under those categories?

“Hostile Working Conditions include behaviors that are inappropriate and unacceptable in the workplace,” according to Leo Lingham, an HR expert. “Inappropriate and unacceptable behavior is bad behavior that goes beyond incivility, yet does not meet the legal definition of Hostile Work Environment.”

Here are some examples of behavior that could create a hostile work environment:

• A manager/employer/co-worker being really into fashion and going around the office critiquing people’s outfits and giving them ideas for how to do their hair and makeup everyday for work.
• A manager/employer/co-worker bringing in a photo of a celebrity and telling an employee she should cut and highlight her hair like that because it would “make her look more polished and professional.”
• A manger/employer/employee going around the office telling everyone how many Weight Watchers Points are in the food they’re eating.

This kind of behavior is not necessarily “illegal” as far as the definition of harassment goes, but it is behavior that is rude, uncalled for and hurtful.

A lot of people get pretty upset over this type of behavior. It could even cause employees to feel bad about themselves. And that could ultimately affect their work.

The point I’m trying to make is this—just because behavior isn’t illegal doesn’t mean it should go on.                

Many employees are too shy or afraid of retaliation to ever bring up unwelcome behavior to their HR department.

So instead, HR professionals and business owners need to be proactive:

• Put a policy about harassment of any kind into your employee handbook.
• Tell employees your company has zero tolerance for harassment.
• Make sure employees know your company has a “no retaliation” policy for reporting harassment. This way, they will feel more comfortable coming forward when they have a harassment issue, even if it’s not directly relating to them.

The work environment is a place where people—employees, managers, directors, supervisors, etc—spend at least 40 hours each week.

It’s a place where they have to be creative and productive. It’s a place where they have to meet company goals and department quotas. It’s a place where they learn and grow their careers.

So it’s a place where they have to feel comfortable and safe. 

You know all about harassment in the workplace, but what about harassment that doesn’t necessarily fall under those categories?