Definition & Types of Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment occurs when someone in the workplace harasses, alarms or distresses another person with his or her behaviour.

What Constitutes Workplace Harassment

A shorter version of this video is available on YouTube.

Workplace harassment occurs when a co-worker, manager or any other person at the workplace (e.g. a customer, contractor or volunteer) harasses, alarms or distresses another person with his or her behaviour. It can affect a person’s dignity or mental well-being and may also pose a risk to the victim's safety and health.

What is considered workplace harassment exactly?

Types of workplace harassment include but are not limited to:

  • Threatening, abusive or insulting language or non-verbal gestures
  • Cyber bullying
  • Sexual harassment
  • Stalking (physical or online)
  • Physical abuse
  • Abuse of power/ bullying

Workplace harassment can take place in any setting:

  • Outside the office such as on business trips
  • On clients' premises
  • At the workplace or any other work-related occasions or events

Workplace harassment can also happen through:

  • Email
  • Text messaging
  • Social media

Examples of workplace harassment include:

  • Threatening, abusive or insulting words
  • Harmful actions or gestures
  • Offensive or distressing online messages

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