The 3 Steps To Take When You’re Being Harassed At Work

Harassment at work damages your well-being, your focus, and your sense of safety. It can start subtly but over time, it can escalate. Many people stay silent, unsure of what to do or afraid of retaliation. But you don’t have to stay quiet. You have options.

Harassment is not something you should have to tolerate or work around. Employment law gives you a path forward. But legal rights mean little if you don’t know how to use them. Improving harmful office environments takes action when something goes wrong. In this article, we will go over what you should do if you’re being harassed. 

1 – Document everything

You need to write everything down. As soon as something happens, record the date, time, and location. Write exactly what was said or done. Include the names of anyone who saw it. Don’t wait until days later when the details have faded or blurred. Your memory alone may not hold up under pressure. 

If the harassment happened through email, text, or any kind of messaging platform, save those messages. Take screenshots if you need to. Keep copies somewhere safe, preferably outside of your work system. Don’t rely on your workplace to preserve evidence for you.

This step isn’t about building a case right away. It’s about protecting yourself in case you need to. Even if things improve or seem to stop, having a record puts the power back in your hands. Silence benefits the harasser.

2 – Report the behavior

Reporting harassment can feel uncomfortable, but it’s often necessary. If your workplace has a procedure, follow it. Start by reviewing your employee handbook or any policy you were given when you were hired. These documents usually explain who to contact and how to file a complaint. If you can’t find a clear process, go to your direct supervisor or someone in human resources. 

If the person harassing you is your supervisor, go to someone above them. You don’t need to justify why you’re reporting it. You’re allowed to feel unsafe or disrespected, and your employer has a duty to respond. If the first person you report to brushes you off, report it again to someone else. Keep a copy of any written complaints you submit, and make a note of any meetings or conversations about your report.

3 – Set boundaries

If you feel safe doing so, speak up when someone crosses the line. You don’t have to be aggressive. You just have to be clear. A short, direct response is often enough to make your boundaries known. Say that the comment was not okay. Say you don’t want to be spoken to that way again. Keep it simple and firm.

You’re not required to explain yourself. You don’t need to justify your reaction. If the person tries to laugh it off or pressure you into pretending it didn’t matter, stay grounded. You’re allowed to decide what’s acceptable. You’re not overreacting by standing up for yourself.