Workplace Harassment: What Every Employee Should Know

AAERS Staffing & Workforce Solutions

At AAERS, we believe every employee deserves a safe, respectful, and professional workplace. Workplace harassment harms individuals, teams, and entire organizations—and understanding it is the first step in preventing it.

This article explains what harassment looks like, how to recognize it, and what employees and employers should do to create a positive working environment for all.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment is any unwelcome behavior—verbal, physical, written, visual, or digital—that makes an employee feel intimidated, threatened, or uncomfortable. Harassment isn’t always obvious; sometimes it’s subtle or repeated over time.

If behavior creates a hostile, unsafe, or offensive work environment, it should be taken seriously.

Examples of Workplace Harassment

Harassment can take many forms, including:

• Offensive jokes, slurs, or insults

• Unwanted touching or sexual comments

• Threats, bullying, or aggressive behavior

• Mocking someone’s background, abilities, or identity

• Posting or displaying inappropriate or offensive content

• Repeated disrespect, exclusion, or mistreatment

If an employee feels targeted, unsafe, or harassed, action should be taken.

Harassment Based on Protected Categories

Harassment becomes illegal when it is based on a protected characteristic, such as:

• Race

• Gender or gender identity

• Religion

• Sexual orientation

• National origin

• Age

• Disability

• Any other legally protected class

Everyone has the right to work without fear of discrimination.

Why Preventing Harassment Matters

Workplace harassment impacts more than the individuals involved. It can:

• Damage morale and trust

• Reduce productivity and focus

• Increase turnover

• Harm the organization’s reputation

• Lead to legal and financial consequences

A respectful workplace supports strong performance, teamwork, and long-term success.

Everyone Shares Responsibility

Creating a positive workplace culture is not only an HR function—it is something every employee contributes to. Each team member should:

• Treat others with respect

• Be mindful of how words and actions affect others

• Speak up when something is wrong

• Report concerns promptly

• Support coworkers who may be experiencing harassment

The culture of the workplace is shaped by the behavior we practice every day.

What To Do If Harassment Occurs

If you experience or witness harassment:

1. Document what happened

2. Report the behavior to a supervisor, HR, or AAERS leadership

3. Cooperate with the investigation process

4. Understand that retaliation is strictly prohibited

No employee should ever feel alone or unsupported when reporting misconduct.

AAERS Commitment

At AAERS Staffing & Workforce Solutions, we are committed to:

• A workplace free of harassment and discrimination

• Rapid, fair, and confidential investigation of concerns

• Protection against retaliation

• Training, education, and awareness

• A supportive culture where all voices are respected

A safe workplace isn’t just policy—it’s our promise.

Final Thought

Workplace harassment can happen anywhere, but together we can prevent it. When employees feel valued, supported, and safe, the entire organization benefits.

At AAERS, we work every day to build professional environments where every worker has the opportunity to succeed.

Call to Action

Want to learn more or need support?

Contact AAERS Staffing & Workforce Solutions Today

📞 Request Assistance or Report a Concern📧 Ask HR for support or more training🌐 Visit our website for employee resources, training, and workplace support programs

Together, we build stronger workplaces—one respectful interaction at a time.

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