How to Stop a Harassing Co-Worker

Harassment in the work place comes in all forms, including physical, mental and verbal harassment. No one deserves to deal with harassment at work, whether from a colleague or a boss. You should stop a harassing co-worker before things get out of hand.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Tell the person to stop. Explain what behavior is bothering you and tell the coworker you won't put up with it. Make it clear that you want to settle this between the two of you, but that you will file an official complaint if the behavior continues.

2. Document everything the harasser does to you. You will want a full report to give human resources or the EEOC. Be as detailed and as specific as possible. Include dates and times and anything offensive the coworker did or said. If there were witnesses to the behavior, note their presence. Talk to them later to make sure they support your version of the events.

3. If the coworker doesn't cease, report this harassing individual to the HR department. Fill out a detailed report of the harassment based on your notes.

4. Contact your state's anti-harassment agency, or the EEOC, if you cannot report the behavior to a supervisor or human resources manager, of if you don't receive a satisfactory response. The government agencies will need the name of your harasser and the details of the harassment.

5. If everything else does not work, go to the police and see how they can help you. If they cannot directly help, they might direct you elsewhere for help. You also can speak to an attorney about bringing a lawsuit against the individual.

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[dr-dlh]

on 10/13/2009 Derick - If he laughed and that and you have complained and nothing done, the next time he harrasses you, just kick his ass on the spot. Then go to HR and tell them he hit you first. Punks like that dont deserve to work in an invironment like that.

[Surfthetide]

on 6/23/2009 Hey D,
If you have followed all the steps above it is time to get a lawyer. Don't worry about lawyer fees they will take the case if they know they can win and if they win you could profit from a law suit. And if this guy is truly as you say - they deserve to be sued for harassment.

[Derick]

on 12/14/2007 I have a co-worker who harrasses several people including myself at work. He is always picking on people. He creates an environment which is very uncomfortable. It affects morale. He has been doing it for several years. Several people have complained to human resouces about his behavior, and nothing has been done about it. I have comfronted him a few times about it, and he laughs, and says "be my guest" when I tell him that I'm going to human resources to complain. He is very good friends with the executive director. I'm concerned about possible retaliation if I go to human resources to report him. Any suggestions on how to go about handling this situation. Thanks. D