Definition Of Workplace Harassment In California

So it s important for employers and employees to know the scope of california s legal protections against workplace harassment.

Definition of workplace harassment in california. For a workplace violence situation the harassment is defined in the same way as for civil harassment. California law prohibits verbal harassment if the subject of the harassment falls within a specific protected class. The difference is that the harassment happens primarily at work and it is the employer of the harassed employee who asks for protection for the employee and if necessary for the employee s family. 1 in 2015 the california department of fair employment and housing the government agency.

Harassment in the workplace whether it be sexual harassment or non sexual harassment is not permitted in california under the fair employment and housing act government code 12940 gc employees who experience harassment may have the right to sue their employer for damages. Verbal harassment is one of the most common forms of workplace harassment. What is harassment in the workplace. Workplace harassment is illegal under both federal and california law and is a form of employment discrimination harassment is defined unwelcomed behavior and policies that are based upon an employee s race color creed religion sexual orientation or gender identity sex including pregnancy and maternity national origin age 40 or older physical.

Workplace harassment is protected under federal law and california law. This common misconception is completely wrong. Updated july 31 2020. Keep reading to get a better understanding of workplace harassment.