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Practice Areas > Workplace Harassment
California law provides some of the strongest workplace protections in the nation but it takes an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights.
Harassment is inappropriate or offensive conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to alter an employee’s working conditions. Harassment in the workplace is illegal where is it based one of the factors listed below.
These are various types of harassment that are prohibited by the law:
If you have experienced harassment related to your gender, sex, or gender identity you may be a victim of gender harassment and protected under federal laws.
Gender harassment, or gender-based harassment, occurs when a person harasses another based on their gender or gender identity. The harassment does not need to be based on anything of a sexual nature. Instead, gender harassment usually involves stereotypes based on the roles and functions associated with a particular gender.
Workplace gender harassment laws are similar to Title IX laws, which prevent gender harassment and discrimination in school settings. In an employment and work setting, gender harassment can occur between co-workers, between a supervisor and a subordinate, and in various other settings.
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In United States labor law, a hostile work environment exists when one’s behavior within a workplace creates an environment that is difficult or uncomfortable for another person to work in due to discrimination.
Common complaints in California sexual harassment lawsuits include fondling, suggestive remarks, sexually-suggestive photos displayed in the workplace, use of sexual language, or off-color jokes. Small issues, annoyances, and isolated incidents typically are not considered to be illegal.
To be unlawful, the conduct must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to a reasonable person. An employer can be held liable for failing to prevent these workplace conditions, unless it can prove that it attempted to prevent the harassment and that the employee failed to take advantage of existing harassment counter-measures or tools provided by the employer.
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If you have experienced pregnancy harassment related to childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions, then you may be a victim of pregnancy harassment and are protected under federal laws.
It is unlawful to harass a woman because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).
The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer.
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The Latin term quid pro quo translates to “something for something.”
Therefore, quid pro quo harassment occurs in the workplace when a manager or other authority figure offers or merely hints that he or she will give the employee something (a raise or a promotion) in return for that employee’s satisfaction of a sexual demand. This also occurs when a manager or other authority figure says he or she will not fire or reprimand an employee in exchange for some type of sexual favor.
A job applicant also may be the subject of this kind of harassment if the hiring decision was based on the acceptance or rejection of sexual advances.
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Workplace sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably interferes with the performance of a person’s job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Sexual harassment can range from persistent offensive sexual jokes to inappropriate touching to posting offensive material on a bulletin board. Sexual harassment at work is a serious problem and can happen to both women and men.
Both state and federal laws protect employees from sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While Title VII is the base level for sexual harassment claims, states like California have sexual harassment laws that may be even more strict. Check the laws of your state for more information.
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Bullying is a substantial problem in workplaces across the United States. A third of American workers have reported experiencing some form of bullying by managers or coworkers and another 25% reported having witnessed the bullying of a coworker.
Abusive work environments can reduce productivity and morale, lead to higher absenteeism and turnover rates, and increase medical and workers’ compensation claims. Under current law, victims of workplace bullying have a legal remedy only if the abuse is related to a protected category (such as race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or age).
Employers who fail to comply with the law may face penalties from the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the state agency charged with enforcing California’s discrimination and harassment laws. The law does not, however, create a civil claim for abusive conduct itself.
Learn More about Workplace Bullying >>
At Matern Law Group we have a strong history of protecting California employees. Our workplace harassment lawyers take each case seriously. We hold employers accountable.
Workplace harassment is any unwelcome behavior, based on characteristics like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work environment.
This includes actions, words, and physical gestures that make someone feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or unsafe. Importantly, workplace harassment is not just about hurt feelings; it’s a violation of your rights that can affect your work performance and well-being.
Harassment in the workplace goes beyond mild disagreements or simple annoyances. It involves unwelcome behavior that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive environment. This can include:
This behavior doesn’t have to be directed at you personally to be harassment; witnessing offensive conduct can still create a hostile environment.
Proving workplace harassment involves gathering strong evidence. This might include:
Having this documentation will help substantiate your case if you choose to report or pursue legal action.
To prove harassment, you must demonstrate that the conduct:
Yelling at work isn’t always harassment, but it can cross the line when:
For example, if a manager consistently yells at employees based on their race, gender, or other protected characteristics, it may be harassment.
If you’re experiencing harassment, take these steps:
Consult with an Attorney: Speaking with an employment attorney can help you understand your rights and strengthen your case.
No, workplace harassment is not limited to sexual misconduct. Harassment can take many forms and still be illegal if it targets a protected characteristic, such as:
Gender: Disparaging comments or unequal treatment based on gender, even when not sexual in nature.
Our Practices are Guided by Integrity. We’ll protect what you deserve.
We work tirelessly and fight tenaciously to hold rights employers accountable.
We help uphold employee rights of victims of harassment as defined by existing Federal and California State laws.
If you’ve experienced a distressing incident related to an issue like this, call us for a free case evaluation.
Legal cases can be lengthy, complicated, and confusing, but you don’t have to take on the system all by yourself. If you believe someone has violated your individual rights, or the rights of a large group of people in your community, we can help you find the right course of action.
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