Facing harassment at work can feel isolating, overwhelming, and even career-threatening, but you are not powerless. Workplace Harassment Laws exist to protect employees from toxic environments, discriminatory behavior, and abuse of power in the workplace. Whether the harassment is verbal, physical, psychological, or retaliatory, understanding your legal rights is the first step to taking control of the situation.
As an employee, you are entitled to a safe and respectful work environment under federal and, in many cases, state laws. These Employee Rights are not optional; they are enforceable protections designed to hold employers accountable and give workers the ability to speak up without fear.
This guide will help you understand exactly what your rights are if you’re being harassed at work. We’ll explain what qualifies as workplace harassment under the law, the steps you should take to document and report it, when to escalate your claim, and how a workplace harassment attorney can help if internal solutions fall short. If you’ve been asking yourself, “What are my rights if I’m being harassed at work?” this resource is designed to answer that question—and help you take action.
What Qualifies as Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, age, religion, or national origin. The behavior must either:
Common Examples Include:
- Sexual Harassment: Inappropriate comments, unwanted physical contact, or pressure for sexual favors
- Discriminatory Harassment: Behavior targeting your race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Verbal/Physical Harassment: Name-calling, threats, slurs, or unwelcome touching
- Power Harassment: A supervisor abusing authority to intimidate or control you
If you’re wondering, “What are my rights if I’m being harassed at work?” the answer begins with understanding that these actions are not just wrong—they may also be illegal.
Your Legal Protections as an Employee
Employees are protected under a variety of federal statutes, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Protects against discrimination based on race, sex, religion, and national origin
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Protects individuals with physical and mental disabilities
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Shields workers aged 40+ from age-based discrimination
These employee rights are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and, in many cases, by your state’s Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA). Employers are required to take prompt and appropriate corrective action when harassment is reported. Employers may be held legally responsible if the harasser is a supervisor or if they knew, or should have known, about the behavior and failed to take appropriate action.
What Are My Rights If I’m Being Harassed at Work?
Understanding your employee rights allows you to act with clarity and confidence. If you’re being harassed:
You Have the Right to a Safe Workplace
Employers must provide a work environment that is free from unlawful harassment and discrimination. If your safety or mental well-being is threatened, it’s time to act.
You Have the Right to Report
You are protected from retaliation when reporting harassment. Employers cannot legally fire, demote, or discipline you for filing a complaint.
You Have the Right to Legal Counsel
If HR fails to act or the situation worsens, you can—and should—consult a workplace harassment lawyer.
What to Do If You’re Being Harassed at Work
Here’s how to protect yourself and build a strong foundation for any future legal action:
1. Document the Behavior
Maintain a journal with dates, times, names, what happened, where it happened, and any witnesses. Include screenshots or emails when possible.
2. Report Internally
Follow your company’s procedures and report the behavior to your manager or the Human Resources department. Keep a record of every report or response.
3. File an EEOC Complaint
If internal reporting doesn’t resolve the issue, you may file a complaint with the EEOC or your state’s FEPA.
4. Consult a Workplace Harassment Lawyer
If any of these points resonated with you, it may be time to consult with a lawyer. An attorney can help determine whether your case meets legal standards and what compensation or resolution may be available.
Is Retaliation Also Illegal?
Yes. Retaliation for reporting harassment is strictly prohibited. It includes:
- Termination
- Demotion or reassignment
- Withholding raises or promotions.
- Intimidation or exclusion
If this occurs, you may have an additional legal claim and should consult an employment lawyer immediately.
When to Contact a Workplace Harassment Attorney
Contacting a workplace harassment lawyer is essential when:
- Your employer ignores or dismisses your complaint
- The harassment escalates
- You’re facing retaliation.
- You feel unsafe returning to work.
Legal professionals can help you recover damages, negotiate settlements, or take your case to court if necessary.
Why Choose Cantrell Schuette?
At Cantrell Schuette, we understand that facing harassment in the workplace isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a violation of your legal rights. Our firm is committed to protecting your dignity, career, and peace of mind. With a deep understanding of Workplace Harassment Laws, we help employees across the country confront toxic work environments, retaliatory behavior, and discriminatory practices with strength and legal clarity.
Our experienced employment attorneys offer strategic guidance for every stage of the process, whether you’re dealing with subtle hostility or blatant misconduct. If you’ve been asking yourself, “What are my rights if I’m being harassed at work?” our team is ready to provide the answers—and take action.
We assist clients in:
- Understanding their full scope of Employee Rights under federal law
- Navigating internal HR complaints and documentation best practices
- Filing charges with the EEOC or other agencies when internal reporting fails
- Litigating complex harassment cases involving supervisors, co-workers, or third parties
Our goal is to ensure that you don’t have to navigate this experience alone. We believe in empowering employees with the legal knowledge and advocacy needed to create safer, more respectful workplaces. Whether you need behind-the-scenes legal support or aggressive courtroom representation, Cantrell Schuette will stand with you every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
No one should have to endure a toxic or abusive work environment. Workplace Harassment Laws exist to protect you from discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation, regardless of your role or industry. When you understand your Employee Rights, you gain the power to take meaningful steps toward reclaiming your safety and dignity at work.
If you’ve been asking, “What are my rights if I’m being harassed at work?” know that you are entitled to report the behavior, seek internal resolution, and pursue legal counsel without fear of retaliation. Document every incident, follow your company’s procedures, and escalate your claim if your concerns are dismissed or ignored.
At Cantrell Schuette, we’re here to help you navigate this complex process with clarity and confidence. Our team of experienced attorneys is ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and hold employers accountable for unlawful conduct.
Don’t let workplace harassment define your future. Take the first step and contact Cantrell Schuette today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
