How is workplace harassment defined under federal anti-discrimination laws?

Workplace harassment under federal anti-discrimination laws is defined as unwelcome conduct that demeans an individual based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This definition emphasizes that such conduct must be unwelcome and targeted at individuals based on their identities or characteristics that are protected by law. The impact of this behavior can create a hostile work environment, interfere with an individual's ability to perform their job, and can be either verbal, physical, or visual in nature.

In the context of the other definitions, identifying workplace harassment as acceptable behavior or conduct that enhances workplace morale contradicts the very essence of what harassment entails. Additionally, isolating harassment as incidents that do not affect performance overlooks the serious implications such conduct can have on the workplace atmosphere and the victim's overall wellbeing. Therefore, recognizing harassment as an act that is unwelcome and demeaning is critical for maintaining a respectful and compliant workplace.