Harassment at work. What qualifies as harassment? Is Harassment, "My boss is hard on me because I'm failing to meet expectations?" Failing to meet expectations is typically not considered harassment unless you are be treated differently than others failing to meet expectations. The most common forms of harassment are sexual discrimination, racism, religious and ethnic bias, being the recipient of unsolicited jokes, sexual advances, and sexual innuendo. The result for the employee impacted is typically severe emotional distress followed by a reduction in performance. Additionally, stress and resentment within the work force builds and creates an environment very detrimental to the company achieving it's goals.

This can include jokes about a fellow employee for being young and naive.Or, for older employees joking about their age can be extremely painful for them. Jokes about religion can be extremly hurtful to those practicing the faith depicted in the joke. Jokes that play upon stereotypes are forms of harassment.

These forms of harassment can be much more difficult to prove. If a person feels harassed and confides in a supervisor, they will ultimately be placed in a "he said/she said" situation where there may be no return. If the harassing individual is a particular favorite of management it can cost the accusing employee their position or job.

For this reason, an employee facing this form of confrontation should consider finding proof before going to any higher-up. Thankfully, today we have many tools available to catch our harasser in the act. Audio/voice recorders technology has come a long way. The ability to pick up sound from a distance is amazing. They can be caried in a pocket or a purse. Hidden cameras can be held on ties or worn in jackets.

Another reason these forms of harassment are as common as they are may be simple ignorance. Perhaps the employee or employees in the workplace aren't aware that they are truly offensive. Oftentimes they may believe they're just joking and genuinely don't know how hurtful they are.

There are a variety of training programs available that teach sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, and religious differences if management wishes to begin an awareness program. This can eliminate many future claims of workplace harassment.

A workplace free from discrimination is the key to organizational success. This will eliminate many common disputes between workers and nurture a mutual interest in working together.

If you feel you may be a victim, contact your HR department first. If you feel the HR department is not handling the issue properly, you should immediately consult with an attorney who specializes in workplace harassment.