“People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This is particularly true in the workplace, where respect should be a given, but too many employees are subjected to situations that leave them feeling unsafe or disrespected.
When bad behavior becomes habitual or inflicts harm, it can be considered harassment if the harassment occurs in the workplace and in California. It is helpful for workers to learn about California workplace harassment examples so they can identify when something goes from simply uncomfortable to unacceptable. This guide aims to provide workers with a little insight into the kinds of behaviors that might go too far and what employees in California should be alert to.
Unwanted Comments That Create a Hostile Environment
Inappropriate jokes, offensive remarks, and repeated teasing aren’t just annoying—they may be illegal conduct. These incidents are often dismissed as “Just joking,” but they can be very damaging when they focus on a person’s gender, race, age, or other characteristic. In California, harassment does not need to be physical to be serious. For example, if a supervisor makes fun of an employee’s accent or appearance repeatedly, that could create a hostile work environment. Courts in California have ruled favorably for employees in instances where repeated verbal comments resulted in offense or exclusion. Words matter—and they can become legal issues when misapplied.
Touching or Physical Contact That Isn’t Welcome
Some people shrug off a shoulder pat or a hug at work, but not everyone feels the same. When physical contact is unwanted and makes someone uncomfortable, it can qualify as harassment. The issue becomes more serious when the person making the contact has power over the other, like a manager or team lead.
Consider a case where a male supervisor regularly placed his hands on a female employee’s back during meetings. She didn’t feel safe and eventually filed a complaint. That’s a clear reminder that workplace touch must always be respectful and consensual.
Excluding Someone From Opportunities or Meetings
Harassment isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it looks like being left out of meetings, group messages, or training sessions for no clear reason. If a pattern of exclusion targets someone based on their gender, race, religion, or other protected status, it can be a red flag.
- Being the only team member not invited to client dinners
- Repeatedly left off important email threads
- Excluded from professional development programs without cause
These actions may seem minor alone, but when they add up, they show bias. In California, this kind of behavior can be part of a bigger harassment claim.
Over-the-top Criticism or Micromanaging Certain Employees
All employees need feedback, but when criticism becomes personal or unusually harsh, it may point to harassment. If a boss constantly watches one person closely, nitpicks their work, or yells in front of others, it’s more than just tough management. It’s intimidation—and it’s not okay.
Take the example of an employee in San Diego who was called “incompetent” in meetings, even though their performance was solid. Eventually, it was revealed that the supervisor had a pattern of targeting women with harsh feedback. That’s not management—that’s harassment.
Inappropriate Messages Through Email or Chat
Workplace messaging tools are convenient, but they can also be misused. When someone sends offensive memes, flirty messages, or graphic jokes to a coworker, it can become part of a harassment pattern. These messages are also often documented, making them easy evidence if a complaint is filed.
- Messages that include inappropriate emojis or language
- Jokes that make fun of someone’s culture or gender
- Late-night texts that cross professional lines
If it’s not something that should be said out loud in a meeting, it likely doesn’t belong in a message either. Digital harassment is taken seriously in California cases.
Retaliation After a Complaint Is Filed
Harassment doesn’t always stop with a complaint—it sometimes turns into retaliation. If an employee reports bad behavior and then gets demoted, ignored, or fired, that’s a legal issue, too. California law protects workers from this kind of punishment for speaking up.
One case involved an employee in Oakland who reported racist jokes from a coworker. Soon after, her workload was reduced, and she was told she didn’t “fit the culture.” That response wasn’t just unfair—it was illegal.
Disrespecting Personal Boundaries Repeatedly
Everyone has different comfort levels. Repeatedly crossing someone’s personal lines—asking invasive questions, pressuring them to socialize, or commenting on their lifestyle—can become harassment. What seems like “just being friendly” can feel threatening to someone else.
- Pushing someone to reveal private details
- Mocking someone’s clothing or personal choices
- Asking about dating or family life without an invitation
California courts look at the full picture. If the behavior makes someone feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or targeted, it may fall under the law.
Conclusion
Bad workplace behavior doesn’t always come with warning signs or big explosions—it can be slow, quiet, and deeply damaging. The California workplace harassment examples covered here show how serious these actions can be. Workers don’t have to put up with mistreatment, even if it’s subtle or dismissed by others. Knowing the signs is the first step toward a safer, more respectful workplace.
