You aren't to blame if a coworker or supervisor is harassing you at work.Most employers have policies against this behavior.It may be illegal if the behavior is pervasive.It is difficult to prove a case if the person is also your supervisor.Take action as soon as possible to record the behavior.
Step 1: There is a log of events.
Keep a detailed and organized log of the incidents when someone is at work.Depending on the severity, you may not need more than one incident.Any physical abuse, intimidation, or verbal abuse that is blatantly racist or sexist will warrant repercussions on their own.A pattern of harassment may be found in smaller incidents.A coworker may make comments about how stupid you are or how you're the reason sales are down.They may suggest that you aren't qualified for the job because of your race or gender.Write down the date, time, and location in your log.Provide a brief description of the events that happened.Your log can help refresh your recollection if you include as many details as possible.
Step 2: The person should be asked to stop.
It is legal for behavior to be subject to a penalty.It is obvious that no one would like the behavior.You might need to make it clear that you don't want to be harassed.If a coworker is sexually harassing you by hitting on you, ignoring them won't make the problem go away and may not communicate the message to them.They can argue that you enjoyed the attention if you don't say anything.Suppose a coworker leaves notes and small presents on your desk and comments on you clothing every day.You might say "I'm not interested in any relationship with you outside of work, and your persistence won't change that."If you have a record of telling the person that their behavior is not welcome, it is a good idea to put this communication in writing.Send an email to them through the company's email system.
Step 3: Talk to people you know.
If someone is making you feel bad in the workplace, there are likely coworkers who have seen it.You may be able to find out that the person is also a bully.Ask your coworker if they would be willing to go on the record with their story in order to corroborate yours.If witnesses have been bullied by the same person, talk to them to find out how they were treated.People who bully in the workplace often treat multiple people the same way.
Step 4: Make copies of the communications.
If the person who is harassing you leaves things in your workspace, take care to preserve them as evidence.Many of the disputes come down to one person's word against the other.If the person who is harassing you is a supervisor or has worked for the company longer than you have, this is important.
Step 5: Your log should be kept safe.
Your description of the incidents that took place, as well as any physical evidence you're trying to be preserved, should be kept in a place that only you can access.It doesn't allow it to be tampered with or destroyed.You want to keep copies of everything outside of the workplace.You could keep them in a locked drawer of your desk, but you may lose access to that space, and others may have a key.
Step 6: Talk to your coworkers.
If you're being bullied, it's affecting people around you as well.The person may be targeting others, or their treatment of you may make them feel uncomfortable.Other employees who are not being bullied may be hesitant to speak out because they are afraid they will become a target.Don't blame anyone for not saying something.Let your coworkers know that you will follow through with what they say when you talk to them.Unless they give you permission to do so, don't share what they've said with others.
Step 7: You should talk to your friends and family.
Your friends and family may have noticed a change in you as a result of the stress at work.They can give you a perspective on how you have changed.They may notice things that you don't.People who are close to you can tell when something is going on.They might not have been able to put a finger on it until you talked to them.They may have been worried about you but didn't want to bring it up.If you can count on their support, let them know that you are taking action to stop the harassment.Your employer may want to talk to you about how the behavior has affected you.
Step 8: If you have emotional distress, visit a psychologist.
A mental health provider can help you deal with workplace bully as well as finding the focus and confidence to end the behavior.There are prescription drugs that can help you deal with stress and keep it out of your life.If you end up filing a complaint with a government agency or a lawsuit, you will be able to show that the behavior had a significant impact on your health.
Step 9: Stress should be discussed with other health care providers.
The stress of being bullied can affect your health.Let them know that you're going through a lot of stress at work if you have regular check-ups or appointments.Your health care provider can give you suggestions on how to deal with the situation.If you grind your teeth while you sleep, your dentist may be able to prescribe a solution.
Step 10: Before you file a formal complaint, talk to an employment attorney.
You should look for an attorney who specializes in workplace harassment cases.Most of these attorneys give a free initial consultation so you can get advice on how to proceed before you report the behavior.You may not want to file a lawsuit.An attorney can help you understand the types of information you need to give to your employer.
Step 11: Take a look at your company's handbook.
Information about the company's policy regarding workplace harassment is included in an employee handbook.Follow the procedures found in the policy.Don't forget to pay attention to the wording used in the handbook.If you repeat the same wording when making a formal complaint, it can be helpful.If there is a specific person listed that you are supposed to file a complaint with, you should plan on talking to that person, unless you feel uncomfortable with them or think they wouldn't be fair.
Step 12: You can talk to someone in human resources.
If your employer has a human resources department, you will usually begin the process of reporting workplace harassment.The human resources staff can walk you through the process of filing a complaint.Changes that would ease the situation in the meantime could be made.They may be able to change your schedule or transfer you to a different department so that you don't see the person who is harassing you.
Step 13: You should identify documents that support your claim.
If you believe your employer has documents that can prove workplace harassment is taking place, or that it is having an adverse effect on your employment, please let them know.If you're not allowed access to them, don't attempt to retrieve them yourself.Some incidents may have been captured on tape if your workplace has security cameras.Evidence that would support your claims can be found in records from computers and copy machines.
Step 14: Discuss the situation with a supervisor.
It is possible to talk to a supervisor before you file a formal complaint.They might be able to resolve the problem quietly.It is possible that your complaint gets taken more seriously if you have a supervisor behind you.A supervisor can give you tips on how to deal with upper management.
Step 15: You can file a written complaint.
If you want to file a formal complaint against the person who is harassing you, you should put it in writing.Explain the situation and describe what happened.Stick to the facts and include as many details as possible.Don't pay attention to the person's personality or character, instead focus on their behavior towards you.Depending on the size of your employer, there may be a specific form you are supposed to use.You must try to resolve the situation internally before you can file a complaint with a government agency.
Step 16: Take part in the investigation.
Your employer will investigate the situation after you file a formal complaint.All of the evidence you've collected will be reviewed by them.Your employer will determine how to resolve the situation after interviewing you, the bully, and any other witnesses.You can file a complaint with a government agency if you don't like your employer's treatment of the problem.
Step 17: If you run into problems, consult your attorney.
As your employer investigates your complaint, you may want to contact an attorney.Contact an attorney if your employer does not investigate your complaint.You should document your efforts to make your employer aware of the situation.If they are aware of the problem and do nothing to fix it, they will face harsher penalties.