Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual advances, comments, requests for sexual favours, or any other conduct of an employee of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment. This can include explicit remarks, inappropriate jokes, unwelcome physical contact, or the display of sexually explicit materials.

Physical disability discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfavorably or subjected to adverse actions based on their physical disability. This can include mocking, belittling, or offensive remarks regarding an individual or person’s disability, denying reasonable accommodations required for the individual’s well-being, or excluding them from job opportunities due to their physical limitations.

Sexual orientation bias refers to discrimination or harassment based on an individual’s sexual orientation. It involves derogatory comments, slurs, exclusion, or unjust treatment directed towards individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or have a different sexual orientation than the majority. This form of harassment creates a hostile or toxic work environment, and can significantly impact the well-being and job performance of those affected.

Racial harassment involves targeting an individual or group based on their race, ethnicity, or nationality, often through offensive slurs, stereotypes, or derogatory remarks. This form of harassment can cause emotional distress, low self-esteem, and a sense of vulnerability for those affected, leading to decreased job satisfaction and affecting teamwork and collaboration.

Religious harassment occurs when an employee is harassed because of their religious beliefs, practices, or customs. Mocking or insulting an individual’s faith or religious attire can create a hostile work environment, leading to feelings of alienation and discomfort for the targeted employee.

Age-related harassment targets an individual based on their age, either older or younger. It can manifest through age-related jokes, derogatory comments, or exclusion, leading to feelings of resentment, lowered morale, and reduced productivity.

Harassment based on gender identity targets someone because of their gender identity or expression. It can include using incorrect pronouns, making derogatory remarks, or subjecting them to discriminatory treatment. Gender identity harassment can deeply affect an individual’s self-esteem and mental health, affecting their ability to work effectively and comfortably.

Psychological harassment, also known as emotional or mental harassment, involves tactics that are intended to harm an individual’s mental well-being. This can include verbal abuse, insults, humiliation, gaslighting, constant criticism, or isolating an employee from their peers.

Intimidation is a form of workplace harassment that involves using threats, fear, or coercion to harass or control an employee. It can manifest through aggressive behaviour, shouting, or physical gestures that make the victim feel unsafe or uncomfortable at work. 

Mobbing is a particularly harmful form of workplace harassment where a group of individuals collectively engage in bullying or harassing one person. The victim is consistently targeted by multiple colleagues, leading to emotional and psychological distress. This form of harassment can be challenging to address, as it involves a group dynamic that may be difficult to confront.

Bullying in the workplace entails repeated aggressive or demeaning behaviour intended to intimidate, undermine, or harm an individual psychologically or emotionally. It can include things like spreading rumours, social exclusion, public humiliation, or sabotaging the victim’s work. 

Cyber harassment, also known as online harassment, occurs when an employee is subjected to harassment through electronic means, such as emails, social media, or other digital platforms. Cyber harassment can take various forms, including offensive messages, threats, cyberbullying, or sharing private or embarrassing information online.

This form of harassment can be particularly distressing, as it invades the victim’s personal space and follows them outside of the workplace, impacting their mental health and well-being.

Collect and organize all relevant evidence related to the harassment incidents. This includes dates, times, locations, descriptions, and any supporting documentation such as emails, text messages, or witness statements. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Familiarise yourself with your employer’s harassment policies and procedures. Understand the reporting process, including whom to contact, whether it’s a supervisor, human resources department, or a designated harassment contact.

Follow your company’s reporting procedures and submit a formal written complaint detailing the incidents of verbal abuse or harassment. Be specific and provide as much information as possible. Keep a copy of your complaint for your records.

It’s important to keep the details of your complaint confidential, sharing them only with individuals who need to be aware, such as the appropriate contacts within your organization, legal counsel, or regulatory bodies.

Keep a record of all interactions related to your complaint, including dates, times, and summaries of conversations or meetings with your employer, human resources, or any other relevant parties. This documentation can serve as evidence of your efforts to address the issue.

Consider consulting an employment lawyer who can provide guidance and help you understand your rights and legal options. They can assist you in navigating the process, advising on the best course of action, and representing your interests if necessary.

If your complaint is not adequately addressed by your employer or if the harassment is based on a protected characteristic covered by human rights legislation, you may file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission or the Alberta Labour Relations Board. Consult with a workplace harassment lawyer to assist you with the process and ensure compliance with your employment policies and regulatory requirements.

If your employer or a regulatory body launches an investigation, cooperate fully by providing all relevant information, evidence, and witness testimonies. Maintain open communication with investigators and follow any instructions provided.

Remember, the process of filing a harassment complaint may vary depending on your specific circumstances, employment issues, and the policies and regulations in place. It is advisable to consult a workplace harassment lawyer who can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and advocate on your behalf.

Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employer terminates an employee without just cause or fails to provide reasonable notice or severance pay as required by employment standards. If an employer terminates an employee in retaliation for reporting harassment or resisting the harasser, the termination can be considered retaliatory and a violation of the employee’s rights.

Constructive dismissal refers to situations where an employer makes fundamental changes to the terms and conditions of an employment contract that substantially alter the employment relationship, forcing the employee to resign. Workplace harassment can arise if the changes implemented by the employer are a result of harassment or if the hostile work environment created by harassment makes continued employment intolerable for the employee.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe harassment despite reporting it to your employer or following internal procedures, consulting a workplace harassment lawyer can help you understand your legal options and rights.

If your employer fails to address the harassment appropriately or takes insufficient action, a workplace harassment lawyer can guide you on how to escalate the matter and ensure your rights are protected.

If you face retaliation, wrongful dismissal, or adverse consequences, such as demotion, termination, or negative performance evaluations, as a result of reporting harassment or participating in an investigation, it is crucial to consult a workplace harassment lawyer. They can help you navigate wrongful termination or retaliation and compensation claims.

If your case involves complex legal issues, such as intersectionality with human rights laws, or if it requires understanding specific provisions of Alberta employment law, seeking legal advice from a law firm with a workplace harassment lawyer can provide valuable expertise.

If you decide to file a complaint with regulatory bodies such as the Alberta Human Rights Commission or the Alberta Labour Relations Board, a workplace harassment lawyer can assist you in understanding the process, gathering evidence, and representing your interests effectively.