What are the 11 types of harassment?

Asked by: Cristal Mayert  |  Last update: July 16, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (75 votes)

The 11 commonly cited types of workplace harassment are discriminatory, personal, physical, power, psychological, online/digital, retaliation, sexual, quid pro quo, third-party, and verbal. These behaviors, ranging from verbal abuse to unwanted physical contact, create hostile environments based on protected characteristics or personal animosity.

What is the most common type of harassment?

Sexual harassment—specifically in the form of a hostile work environment—and psychological harassment (including bullying, threats, and insults) are widely cited as the most common forms of harassment, particularly in workplace settings. These behaviors involve unwelcome conduct based on sex or power dynamics that interfere with work performance.

What are red flag words for HR?

10 Words That Worry HR

  • Discrimination. As you might know, discrimination worries HR teams, juniors and seniors alike. ...
  • Harassment. Harassment complaints create concern because they indicate employees might feel unsafe or disrespected at work. ...
  • Termination. ...
  • Overtime. ...
  • Resignation. ...
  • Burnout. ...
  • Investigation. ...
  • Non-Compliance.

What are three things that are considered harassment?

Harassment is unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics like race, sex, religion, or age. The three primary and most recognized forms of harassment are:

What kind of harassment is illegal?

Illegal harassment is unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics—such as race, sex, religion, national origin, age (40+), disability, or genetic information—that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment or results in an adverse employment decision (e.g., firing, demotion). It violates federal laws enforced by the EEOC and similar state laws.

What Are The Different Types Of Harassment? - High School Toolkit

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What is proof of harassment?

No matter where you live, you can save any voicemails or emails in which harassment occurs. Take pictures of any drawings or writing that is offensive and gather any items that have been used to humiliate or otherwise harass you.

Will the police do anything about harassment?

You will be taken seriously. The police deal with this regularly and can offer you help and support. If the bullying or harassment is targeted at you because of your disability, gender identity, race, religion or sexual orientation, this type of incident is a 'hate incident' or 'hate crime'.

What makes a behavior qualify as harassment?

Harassment is unwelcome, threatening, or demeaning conduct—verbal, physical, or visual—that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. It is often based on protected characteristics like race, sex, religion, or age, and becomes illegal when it is severe, pervasive, or a condition of employment.

What are the six forms of harassment?

Six Common Types of Workplace Harassment

  • Intimidation. Overly authoritative behavior, excessive micromanagement, shouting, swearing, threatening conduct or humiliating treatment.
  • Ridicule. Excessive teasing or belittling an employee in front of others.
  • Sexual Harassment. ...
  • Assault. ...
  • Bullying. ...
  • Discriminatory Actions.

What are the 9 grounds of harassment?

Workplace discrimination may be based on any one or more of the following 9 grounds: Gender, Civil Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race, Membership of the Traveller Community.

What are HR trigger words?

HR trigger words are specific terms or phrases that instantly prompt Human Resources and legal teams to investigate due to compliance, liability, or safety risks. Using these keywords signals serious workplace violations, often legally obligating companies to document and act on the issue immediately.

What are signs you're not valued at work?

1 – Being Below Average. The first mistake is being below average or worse at the job you do. Doing an average or better job, especially after 6 months in role, is vital to being valued at work by bosses and team members. Below average means you are making their lives harder.

What are 5 examples of serious misconduct?

Gross misconduct

  • fraud.
  • physical violence.
  • 'gross negligence' – when there's a serious lack of care to their duties or other people.
  • serious insubordination – for example refusing to take reasonable orders from a supervisor.

What is considered severe harassment?

Severe harassment refers to intense, often single-incident, unwelcome conduct—such as physical assault, sexual violence, or severe threats—that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive environment. It goes beyond minor, isolated offenses, significantly violating rights and frequently altering a person's work or educational setting.

Which of the following is the best harassment?

The best definition of harassment is: Behaviors that demean, humiliate or embarrass someone. This option accurately captures the essence of harassment, which involves actions that belittle or degrade an individual, causing them emotional distress or discomfort.

What are some forms harassment can take?

The Top Five Most Common Forms of Workplace Harassment in California

  • Racial Harassment. ...
  • Religious Harassment. ...
  • Sexual Harassment. ...
  • Age-Based Harassment. ...
  • Disability Harassment.

What are harassment tactics?

Harassment techniques include: 1. Surveillance (being followed, electronic surveillance, computer and phone hacking, monitoring all. online activities, and bugging of home) 2.

What things count as harassment?

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).

What evidence do I need to report harassment?

Evidence You Need for Your Workplace Harassment Claim

Detailed log of every incident, including date, time, location, and individuals involved. Names and statements of witnesses. Emails, texts, chat logs, and other documentation of the offenses. Record of your responses to the offenders.

How does someone prove harassment?

To prove harassment in California, certain legal elements must typically be established: The conduct was intentional and directed at a specific person. The behavior seriously alarmed, annoyed, or harassed the person. The conduct caused substantial emotional distress.

Which behaviors are signs of harassment?

Behaviors indicating someone may be experiencing harassment often involve noticeable changes in their physical demeanor, emotional state, or professional performance. Because harassment can be subtle or overt, recognizing these signs is key to early intervention.

What behaviors are not considered harassment?

Not harassment includes fair management actions, respectful disagreements, and isolated, non-severe incidents. Examples include giving negative performance reviews, setting demanding goals, enforcing dress codes, providing constructive feedback, and polite, welcome social interactions. It must be objectively "severe or pervasive" to be legally classified as harassment.

At what point can you go to the police for harassment?

For the police, criminal harassment generally requires threats of violence. Those threats of violence need to be specific and against you. In addition, the police should get involved in cases of real-life stalking that is being combined with online stalking.

What is the 80/20 rule in police?

The 80-20 rule is a theoretical concept in which a large majority of incidents occur at a small minority of locations, for example 80 percent of incidents occur at 20 percent of locations. In the discipline of crime analysis, this tool can be used in many ways.

Is it hard to win a harassment case?

Are harassment cases hard to prove? Yes, they can be. It is important to remember that harassment is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. However, there are many variables that can make it difficult to prove harassment in Court.