Report: Workplace Harassment Is Top Complaint Filed with the EEOC

In 2015, about 1 in every 3 complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was related to workplace harassment.

That is according to a recent report released by EEOC officials, which has also revealed some other important – and, perhaps, unsettling – trends about the nature of workplace harassment in the U.S.

The Findings about Workplace Harassment in the U.S.

In addition to reporting that about 30,000 harassment-related complaints were filed with federal officials in 2015 alone, the EEOC report has also uncovered the following findings:

• Nearly half of all workplace harassment complaints filed with the EEOC involve allegations of sexual harassment (including that related to gender identities).
• While about 1 in every 3 of the harassment complaints pertained to a race-related event, nearly 1 in every 5 of these complaints was related to disability. Another 15 percent were reportedly related to age.
• For complaints filed by:
  • Women, about 85 percent involved allegations of sexual harassment.
  • People of color, about 70 percent involved allegations of aggressive behavior and/or threats
  • Disabled people, with the bulk of these complaints coming from individuals with mental illnesses (rather than cognitive or developmental disabilities)
• About 3 in every 4 workers in the U.S. who are the victims of workplace harassment never report it, either out of fear of retaliation from an employer or concerns that their reports won’t be taken seriously/won’t make a difference (i.e., no action will be taken on their behalf).

While these findings certainly present a clearer picture of the pervasive nature of workplace harassment in the U.S., EEOC officials are pushing for additional funding for further studies. They are hoping to not only gain a deeper understanding about the scope of workplace harassment but also to find better ways to protect workers and make it safer for them to report harassment incidences.

At this point, however, the EEOC is urging employers across the nation to focus on developing programs, procedures, and policies that would:

• Deter workplace harassment
• Educate workers about their rights
• Enhance reporting and investigation methods so that all workers feel safe bringing harassment-related incidents to light.

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Contact a Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer at the Azadian Law Group, PC

If you have been the target of any type of workplace harassment, contact a Los Angeles sexual harassment lawyer at the Azadian Law Group, PC for a free case to review to find out more about your options for recovery and justice.

At the Azadian Law Group, PC, we exclusively represent employees – we never represent employers. This dedication, backed by our experience, knowledge, insight and resources, empowers us to effectively represent workers in any legal setting and bring their cases to favorable resolutions.

Call us at 626-449-4944 or send us an email via this contact form to find out more about how we can help you. If you choose to move forward with us, you will not have to pay us any legal fees until or unless compensation is secured for your case.

From offices based in Pasadena, our attorneys provide exceptional legal service and representation to people throughout Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County and the state of California.