What is meant by “harassment” and “hostile work environment”?
Workplace harassment is any unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct that either denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward a person on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity that: • Has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment; • Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s work performance; or • Affects an employee’s employment opportunities or compensation. Employers should ensure their employees are protected not only from other supervisors and coworkers, but also from harassment by third parties, such as service users and vendors. Harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity can include malicious conduct, sexual advances, and intentional misuse of gender specific pronouns.
