Harassment in the Workplace

Table of Contents

• Harassment in the workplace
• What is harassment?
• What is the policy?
• Some examples of what generally constitutes harassment
• Harassed?
• Accused of harassment?
• Take note

Harassment in the workplace

Awareness, communication and early intervention are key to a harassment-free work environment. Everyone has a personal responsibility in making this happen.

As employer of the Public Service, the Treasury Board is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment, where all persons in the workplace are treated with respect and dignity.

What is harassment?

Harassment is a complex matter. Generally speaking, it is any improper conduct directed at someone, that the person finds offensive and harmful and that a reasonable person would view as unwelcome or offensive.

Harassment can be any objectionable act, comment or display that demeans, belittles or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment, or any act of intimidation or threat. It includes harassment prohibited by the Canadian Human Rights Act, which consists of harassment related to race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability and pardoned conviction.

Harassment can come from a colleague, a supervisor, a subordinate, another person in the workplace or from a member of the public.

For the official definition of harassment, please refer to the Treasury Board Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.

What is the policy?

Everyone is entitled to a harassment-free workplace. Harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Employees found to have harassed someone may be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of employment.

Some examples of what generally constitutes harassment

• Serious or repeated rude, degrading or offensive remarks, such as teasing about a person's physical characteristics or appearance, put-downs or insults.
• Displaying or sending sexist, racist or other offensive pictures, posters or e-mails.
• Sexual harassment, such as unwelcome social invitations with sexual overtones or flirting.
• Threats, intimidation or retaliation.

The proper exercise of managerial and supervisory rights and responsibilities is not harassment.

Harassed?

• If possible, make your disapproval or unease known as soon as possible to the person who offended you, in an attempt to resolve the situation.
• If this doesn't work or if you are unable to speak directly with that person, talk to your supervisor or someone else in authority.
• Review the Treasury Board Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.
• Your supervisor, the person designated by your department or organization, or your union representative can provide help or guidance.
• Management is expected to address the situation and to use appropriate measures to resolve the problem.

Accused of harassment?

• If someone informs you that your conduct is offensive, take it seriously and attempt to resolve the problem with that person.
• Review the Treasury Board Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.
• Your supervisor, the person designated by your department or organization, or your union representative can provide help or guidance.
• Management is expected to address the situation and to use appropriate measures to resolve the problem.

Take note

• Everyone in the workplace is expected to act towards others in a respectful and professional manner.
• It is in everyone's best interest to resolve harassment situations at the outset.
• Supervisors and managers who are aware of harassment in the workplace are expected to address the situation promptly, whether or not a complaint has been filed.
• A harassment complaint is a serious matter. It will be dealt with promptly and in a confidential manner.

The Treasury Board Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace and this pamphlet are available at /pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=12414 on Publiservice.

For further information, contact your human resources advisor or the person designated by your department or organization.