If you’re unsure how to categorize an uncomfortable situation at work, you may be wondering, “What is systemic harassment?” Harassment comes in all shapes and sizes, sometimes manifesting in clear, obvious ways and other times hiding behind veiled comments and directives.
Regardless of the form it takes, harassment is never acceptable. When it comes to systemic harassment, it may be difficult to understand how it is taking place and affecting you at work. This is why it is important to be aware of your rights as an employee.
Additionally, it can be helpful to understand ways in which your workplace may be systematically harassing you and other employees. This type of harassment can be discreet and difficult to notice if you are not looking for it. If you believe you may be a victim of systemic harassment, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible in order to ensure your rights are protected.
What Is Harassment?
Harassment is any form of unwelcome or unwanted language or conduct from one individual to another. While harassment often exists between two people, multiple third parties may be affected by the actions of others, meaning that harassment is not limited to one-on-one interactions.
Some examples of more well-known forms of harassment include the following:
- This can include any way in which one individual attempts to embarrass, intimidate, threaten, or demean another through forms of physical contact or advances.
- Sexual harassment can include any kind of verbal, physical, or visual advances that are not consensual or welcome by one of the involved individuals.
- This type of harassment can include sending unwanted, inappropriate, or suggestive images or media over email, messaging, or through other forms of contact.
- Verbal harassment includes language that is demeaning, intimidating, embarrassing, or offensive. Sometimes, verbal harassment is veiled as a joke, but even jokes can be a form of harassment.
Systemic Harassment
Systemic harassment takes place at an institutional level within a company. The company’s policies, standards, and power structures may reflect an imbalance regarding people of varying demographics. Many cases of harassment occur as isolated events, usually happening between two individuals. Systemic harassment, however, is reinforced by the leadership, the rules of the company, and the company’s culture.
This type of harassment is often tolerated because it goes unnoticed or individuals affected by it are too intimidated by the company’s leadership to take action. Leadership within such a company may threaten job security, salary, and benefits if a claim is made. While these things can be fought in court, they are often used as tactics of intimidation to maintain a company’s hold on systemic harassment.
How an Employment Lawyer Can Help Fight Systemic Harassment
It can be overwhelming to think of taking action against your entire company. Your bosses may have already given you reason to believe that you may be demoted or terminated if you speak out against what is happening. However, seeking legal counsel can be of great benefit. An experienced harassment lawyer can analyze the facts of your case to help you determine if you have grounds to file a claim. If you do, they can guide you through that process as well.
Don’t let a supervisor or other employees bully you into staying silent about your rights. If you are facing harassment at work, it is essential to consult legal guidance as soon as possible. These types of cases can be time-sensitive, meaning that if you wait long enough to take action, you could experience negative effects.
FAQS
Q: What Is the Meaning of Systemic Harassment?
A: In cases of systemic harassment, harmful practices are embedded within the company’s policies and structure. In these situations, more than one individual is often harmed by the policies. These policies often seem normal or harmless yet operate in a way that harms employees.
Q: What Is an Example of Systemic Discrimination?
A: Systemic discrimination in the workplace can take place in many ways and at various stages. It may be built into the hiring process, meaning that only a certain type of person will be considered for a position based solely on factors such as age, race, and gender. Discrepancies in salary and pay rates may also exist, with employees of one demographic receiving less than employees of a different demographic for that purpose alone, regardless of skill.
Q: Can I Hire a Lawyer for Systemic Harassment?
A: If you believe you have experienced systemic harassment at the workplace, whether direct or indirect, explicit or implicit, it can be extremely beneficial to hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help you not only gather the paperwork and evidence needed for filing a claim but can also represent you in court if necessary. It can be difficult to know what steps you should take next after filing a claim, but a lawyer can guide you through the process.
Q: What Counts as Harassment?
A: One indicator that an uncomfortable situation counts as harassment is if the language or actions are repeated. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine if a comment or action was harassment or an accidental misunderstanding. Sometimes, a friendly comment or legitimate management decision may feel like harassment but may not qualify. An experienced lawyer can help you understand if your situation is one of harassment.
Contact the Talented Attorneys at California Employment Counsel, APC
Harassment comes in many forms, which can be both obvious and extremely discreet. When it comes to systemic harassment, it can be especially difficult to determine if you have grounds to take legal action. This is where the help of our Santa Monica sexual harassment attorneys comes in. We understand the complexities of these cases and can ensure your rights are protected.
Contact California Employment Counsel, APC, today to learn more about how we may be able to help. We can analyze the facts of your case to help you understand your rights and the legal options you may be able to pursue against your company. Systemic harassment can be difficult to fight, which is why it is important to reach out as soon as possible.