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California Employment Law Glossary

Workplace Harassment Definition
Workplace Harassment

 

Definition


 

Workplace harassment is unwanted conduct based on a protected characteristic - such as race, sex, disability, religion, or age - that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Under California's FEHA, harassment claims can be brought against employers, supervisors, coworkers, and even third parties such as customers or clients. California applies a more employee-protective standard than many federal courts.


Frequently Asked Questions

Harassment includes unwanted conduct tied to a protected characteristic - such as slurs, offensive jokes, unwelcome physical contact, or intimidation - that is severe or pervasive enough to affect your working conditions.

No. Harassment based on any protected characteristic, including race, religion, disability, age, and national origin, can support a legal claim under FEHA, not just sex-based harassment.

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No one should endure harassment at work. A free case review can help you understand your legal options under California law.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.