The EEOC defines harassment as unwelcome conduct based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. Harassment becomes unlawful when a reasonable person considers the behavior to be intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Harassment may happen at any time – during a normal workday, at a social gathering, an off-site event, or even in the digital world.
With the rising popularity of social media and other forms of virtual communication, there is a risk of unintended or accidental harassment as lines between what is and is not appropriate become blurred. Activity such as “friending” a co-worker on Facebook, tagging photos of colleagues, or emailing jokes is considered to be risky conduct as it may lead to “textual” harassment, jokes gone wrong, and even auto correct errors such as this one.
Be cautious when communicating with colleagues through text and always read, re-read and read again before sending.
For more on harassment in the workplace, check out our Recognizing & Preventing Harassment workshop on September 19th.
“Textual” Harassment in the Workplace
