How is harassment defined within a work context?

Harassment in a work context is defined as a behavior that is not welcomed by the recipient. This understanding focuses on the feelings and perceptions of the individual who experiences the behavior, emphasizing that the individual must find the behavior unwelcome or offensive for it to be classified as harassment. This definition aligns with many organizational policies and legal frameworks that aim to protect employees from hostile work environments.

When considering the context of workplace interactions, it's important to recognize that an action perceived as humorous or benign by one person may be deeply upsetting or unwelcome to another. This subjective experience is central to the definition of harassment, signifying that the impact of the behavior is more important than the intention behind it.

In contrast, a behavior that is welcomed by the recipient cannot be classified as harassment, as it involves mutual acceptance and consent. Thus, the correct definition of harassment prioritizes the feelings and acceptance of the recipient, underscoring the importance of individual perspectives in workplace interactions.