Hardworking employees may feel stressed even at the best of times. Working environments are often highly-pressured and operate under strict deadlines. As a result, it can be vital that unnecessary stress and anxiety are kept to a minimum.
Workplace harassment is one form of stress that employees should never have to face. Virtually anyone can fall afoul of workplace harassment. However, there are certain patterns and behaviors that are worth looking out for. Outlined below are three of the most common forms of workplace harassment.
Ageism
Older workers are often essential to the profitability of a business. Frequently, employees of a certain age bring a level of experience and composure to the table. Unfortunately, older employees are not always shown the respect that they deserve. In fact, research suggests that an extremely high percentage of older employees have either faced or witnessed workplace harassment motivated by age.
Racial harassment
Unfortunately, workplace harassment motivated by the race of a fellow employee is still prominent. This form of harassment can take many forms, such as derogatory comments, insults and even physical attacks. Demeaning behavior relating to race, ethnicity or national origin is unacceptable in the workplace and there are laws that prohibit this type of behavior.
Religious discrimination
People in the US have a legal right to freely practice their religion. Unfortunately, this can be the basis for workplace harassment. Individuals who are more open about expressing their religion can be particularly susceptible to abuse. Any form of demeaning behavior based on religion is unlawful if it creates a hostile working environment.
Recognizing the most common forms of workplace harassment could be in your best interests. As an employee in Virginia, you are legally protected from facing harassment at work.
