First, What Counts as Harassment by a Manager?

Making sexist, racist, or homophobic jokes or comments

Repeatedly criticizing or undermining you unfairly compared to others

Threatening your job for personal reasons or because of a protected trait

Retaliating after you file a complaint or report something illegal

Pressuring you for romantic attention or making unwanted advances

Isolating or excluding you from meetings, tasks, or opportunities

Harassment from the Top Happens More Than You Think

What You Can Do if Your Boss Crosses the Line

You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Powerless

When You’re Ready to Talk, We’re Here to Listen

Manager Harassment: What to Do When the Boss Crosses the Line

Is used as a condition of employment (known as "quid pro quo" harassment, like when a supervisor demands sexual favors for job advancement).

Does It Have to Be Ongoing to Be Harassment?

A racial slur shouted at an employee during a meeting

A supervisor making a sexually explicit comment directed at a new hire

A threatening remark about someone’s religion or nationality

A cruel comment mocking an employee’s disability in front of others

An email with offensive jokes targeting a protected group

A one-time off-color joke not directed at anyone in particular

A supervisor commenting on your outfit once, without further incidents

A co-worker making an ignorant (but not malicious) remark about a cultural tradition

A colleague asking a personal question that feels intrusive, but backs off when asked

You were subjected to conduct based on a protected characteristic;

The conduct was severe or pervasive enough to make your work environment hostile or abusive; and

The employer knew (or should have known) and failed to take appropriate action.

What Should You Do If Someone Crosses the Line?

You Don’t Need to Wait for Things to Get Worse

File a formal complaint with the <a href="https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/">New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)</a> within 180 days of the incident

File a complaint with the <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/">U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)</a> within 300 days

Speak to an attorney and pursue a civil lawsuit if your rights have been violated

Final Thought: Don’t Let One Comment Define Your Workplace

Not Sure If It’s Harassment? Talk to Someone Who Knows.

Can One Comment Be Workplace Harassment in New Jersey?

Constant criticism or belittling in front of others

Excluding someone from meetings or team activities

Setting someone up to fail (unrealistic deadlines, withholding information)

Making sexist, racist, or homophobic comments

Targeting someone for jokes or insults based on a disability or religion

Unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or contact

Repeated derogatory remarks based on age, gender identity, or national origin

Retaliating against someone who complains about discrimination

Bullying vs. Harassment: The Key Differences

Targets a protected trait under the NJLAD, and

Creates a hostile work environment that affects your ability to do your job

A supervisor making repeated sexual jokes

Constant mocking of someone’s disability

Repeatedly excluding someone based on gender identity

What to Do If You’re Facing Bullying or Harassment in NJ

Reinstatement (if you were wrongfully fired)

Do You Suspect Harassment? Talk to a Legal Professional.

Employment Law Insights & Resources

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