Workplace harassment is a form of discrimination. It involves unwelcome conduct based on characteristics protected by law, such as race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that aren't very serious are not illegal. Harassment becomes illegal when the conduct is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment. It's also illegal when it results in an adverse employment decision, like the victim being fired or demoted.

Several federal laws make workplace harassment illegal. These laws are enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The most prominent law is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

Other important federal laws include:

• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which protects people who are 40 or older from harassment based on age.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits harassment based on disability.

These laws apply to most employers with 15 or more employees (20 or more for the ADEA). The goal is to ensure that workplaces are free from discrimination and that employees can perform their jobs without facing intimidation or hostility.

Harassment can take many forms. It isn't limited to sexual harassment, although that is a well-known type. The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or even someone who is not an employee, like a client or customer.

Examples of harassing behavior include:

• Verbal or Written: Offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name-calling, negative stereotyping, or threats and intimidation.
• Physical: Unwanted touching, assault, or physical interference with movement or work.
• Visual: Posting or sharing offensive posters, cartoons, drawings, or emails.

One specific type of harassment is known as "quid pro quo."

More broadly, harassment can create what's called a hostile work environment. This happens when the unwelcome conduct is severe or pervasive enough to make a reasonable person feel that the workplace is intimidating, hostile, or abusive.

Recognizing these different forms is the first step in addressing and stopping harassing behavior. It's about ensuring everyone feels safe and respected at work.