Personal harassment: Overview, definition, and example
What is personal harassment?
Personal harassment refers to repeated, unwanted behavior or conduct that targets an individual, causing distress, harm, or discomfort. It involves actions or comments that are degrading, insulting, or discriminatory, typically based on characteristics such as gender, race, age, religion, disability, or other personal attributes. Unlike general disagreements or conflicts, personal harassment is intentional and persistent, aimed at undermining the individual’s dignity, self-worth, or ability to perform in their daily or professional life.
Personal harassment can occur in various environments, such as workplaces, schools, or public spaces, and may take many forms, including verbal abuse, bullying, exclusion, or physical intimidation.
Why is personal harassment important?
Personal harassment is important because it negatively impacts an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, and it can create toxic environments that hinder productivity, social interactions, and overall happiness. In the workplace, personal harassment can lead to decreased morale, higher employee turnover, and even legal consequences for employers who fail to address such issues.
For businesses and organizations, addressing personal harassment is crucial for maintaining a respectful, healthy environment where all individuals feel safe and valued. Effective policies and support systems help prevent harassment, promote inclusivity, and ensure that employees, students, or others involved are protected from harmful behavior.
Understanding personal harassment through an example
Imagine a workplace scenario where an employee repeatedly makes derogatory remarks about a colleague’s appearance, gender, or cultural background. Despite the colleague expressing discomfort with these comments, the behavior continues. This persistent mistreatment, aimed at belittling the individual based on personal attributes, constitutes personal harassment.
In another example, a student is continuously excluded from social events by a group of peers and subjected to mocking behavior based on their disability. This social isolation and bullying over an extended period are also forms of personal harassment, making the individual feel unwanted and devalued.
An example of a personal harassment clause
Here’s how a personal harassment clause might look in an employee handbook or company policy:
“The Company is committed to providing a work environment free from personal harassment. Any employee who engages in behavior that creates a hostile, degrading, or discriminatory environment, including verbal abuse, bullying, or exclusion, will be subject to disciplinary action. Employees are encouraged to report incidents of personal harassment promptly to HR for investigation and resolution.”
Conclusion
Personal harassment is a serious issue that can cause long-term emotional and psychological harm to individuals. It is important for businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to implement clear policies and support systems to prevent and address harassment. By fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and zero tolerance for abusive behavior, organizations can protect individuals’ well-being and create positive, productive spaces for all.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.