What is harassment in the workplace?
In Washington State, workplace harassment refers to unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment or interferes with an individual's ability to perform their job. You may have heard the term hostile work environment or quid pro quo harassment. These are both forms of harassment in the workplace.
If you believe you are experiencing harassment in the workplace, it's important to document any instances of adverse treatment and keep records of communications or actions that support your claim. This documentation can be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action. Your employer may also have resources and/or policies and procedures related to reporting concerns you have related to harassment in the workplace and how to communicate with them about your concerns.
Should you have any questions about your rights as an employee who is on or has experienced harassment in the workplace and are concerned about possible adverse action from your employer, please contact our office to speak with an attorney.
These resources are available to the public for additional information and potential action that you may wish to take. We generally recommend you speak with a lawyer before filing a formal charge with the WSHRC or EEOC.
In April 2024, the EEOC issued a new Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace: Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)
Here is another great resource on harassment at work: Questions and Answers for Employees: Harassment at Work | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)