Offensive Conduct in the Workplace

In recent years, the number of workplace harassment claims has increased due to employees’ growing sense of empowerment and legal protection. As the number of people speaking out against harassment increases, so do people’s awareness about appropriate and inappropriate conduct in the workplace.

If you have been the victim of workplace harassment, speak up today. Contact the San Antonio employment lawyers of Melton & Kumler, LLP today to discuss the details of your case with an experienced legal representative. Call 800-681-6932 today to schedule a free case evaluation.

What is Offensive?

Different people have different perspectives on what constitutes “offensive;” however, offensive conduct is determined by the “reasonable person rule,” which states that if a reasonable person is offended by a certain behavior, it should be avoided in the workplace. If this act reoccurs after the offender has been informed that his or her behavior is offensive, there may be grounds for a harassment case.

Offenders frequently argue that it was not their intention to be offensive; however, this argument is null, because it is not about intent—it is about the effect of their behaviors. Some examples of offensive conduct may include:

• Discussion about a co-worker’s dating, sexual, or marital life
• The use of demeaning nick names
• Comments about a co-worker’s appearance
• Profane or degrading language
• Discriminatory remarks about a group of persons
• Sweeping generalizations about gender, race, or sexual orientation
• Unwelcomed touching

Contact Us

If you have been the victim of workplace harassment, the San Antonio employment lawyers of Melton & Kumler, LLP can help. Contact us today at 800-681-6932 to determine your legal options.