Workplace Harassment in Pennsylvania: Knowing Your Rights and When to Take Action

Please note that the information provided in this blog post is general and high-level in nature. It is not intended as legal advice. If you believe you are experiencing workplace harassment, we encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.

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Going to work should not mean dreading every interaction with a coworker or supervisor. Unfortunately, for many Pennsylvania employees, workplace harassment is a reality that affects their mental health, job performance, and overall well-being. If you find yourself in this situation, understanding your rights under Pennsylvania law is the first step toward taking meaningful action.

At Centurion Law Group, we believe every employee deserves to work in an environment free from intimidation, hostility, and discrimination. This post breaks down what workplace harassment looks like under Pennsylvania law, the signs you should watch for, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

What Exactly Is Workplace Harassment?

Generally speaking, workplace harassment refers to unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. The key word here is unwelcome: if you did not invite or encourage the behavior, and it makes your workplace feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it may qualify as harassment.

However, not every unpleasant interaction at work rises to the level of legally actionable harassment. Under Pennsylvania law, the conduct must be severe or pervasive enough that it changes the terms or conditions of your employment. In other words, it has to be more than an isolated rude comment or a single awkward moment. The behavior needs to create an environment that a reasonable person would find abusive or hostile.

Common Forms of Workplace Harassment

Harassment can take many forms, and it is not always as obvious as you might think. Some of the most common types include:

Verbal Harassment This includes offensive jokes, slurs, name-calling, insults, and unwanted sexual comments. Even comments that are framed as "just kidding" can constitute harassment if they target a protected characteristic and are unwelcome.

Visual Harassment Displaying offensive images, posters, cartoons, or sexually suggestive material in the workplace falls under this category. This can include content shared via email or on personal devices if it is shown to others in the work environment.

Physical Harassment Unwanted touching, groping, pinching, or other physical contact is a clear form of harassment. This also includes blocking someone's movement or invading their personal space in an intimidating manner.

Intimidation and Sabotage Some harassment is more subtle. It might involve deliberate undermining of your work performance, exclusion from meetings or communications, spreading rumors, or other actions designed to make your job more difficult.

Protected Characteristics Under Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania law prohibits harassment based on a number of protected characteristics. If the unwelcome conduct you are experiencing is related to any of the following, you may have a legal claim:

• Race (including protective hairstyles under Pennsylvania's CROWN Act)

• Color

• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)

• Age (40 years or older)

• Religious creed

• National origin

• Ancestry

• Disability

• Relationship to a person with a disability

• Use of guide or service animals

It is worth noting that harassment based on characteristics not listed above: while still potentially inappropriate: may not be covered under current Pennsylvania anti-discrimination laws. Having said that, some local ordinances and federal laws may offer additional protections.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Workplace Harassment

Sometimes, harassment is so blatant that there is no question about what is happening. Other times, it builds gradually, and you may not recognize it right away. Here are some signs that what you are experiencing might cross the line:

1. You dread going to work because of how a particular person treats you

2. The behavior targets your identity rather than your work performance

3. You have been subjected to repeated comments, jokes, or actions that make you uncomfortable

4. Your complaints have been dismissed or ignored by management

5. The conduct has affected your ability to do your job or has impacted your mental health

6. Others have witnessed the behavior and expressed concern

7. You have been retaliated against after speaking up about the treatment

If any of these resonate with you, it may be time to take action.

Steps to Take If You Are Being Harassed

Dealing with workplace harassment can feel overwhelming, but there are concrete steps you can take to protect yourself and build a record of what has occurred.

1. Document Everything

This is one of the most important things you can do. Write down dates, times, what was said or done, where it happened, and who witnessed it. Save any relevant emails, text messages, or other communications. The more detailed your records, the stronger your case will be if you decide to pursue legal action.

2. Report the Conduct to Your Employer

Most employers have internal complaint procedures for reporting harassment. Whenever possible, submit your complaint in writing so there is a clear record. Be specific about what happened and reference any relevant company policies.

When you report, request confidentiality to the extent possible and ask about protections against retaliation. Under Pennsylvania law, your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.

3. Follow Up

If your employer does not respond promptly or fails to take meaningful corrective action, follow up in writing. Document their response: or lack thereof. This information could be critical later.

Filing a Legal Claim in Pennsylvania

If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, you have the option to pursue a legal claim. However, Pennsylvania has specific procedures and strict deadlines you need to be aware of.

Unlike some states where you can file a harassment lawsuit directly in court, Pennsylvania generally requires you to first file a complaint with an administrative agency. You have two primary options:

• The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

After filing, the agency will investigate your complaint. Once the investigation is complete, you will receive a "Right to Sue" letter, which then allows you to file a lawsuit in court if you choose to proceed.

Time limits apply to these filings, so it is important to act promptly. Waiting too long could result in losing your right to pursue a claim altogether.

What Your Employer Is Required to Do

Pennsylvania employers with four or more employees have legal obligations when it comes to preventing and addressing workplace harassment. These include:

• Maintaining clear, written anti-harassment policies

• Conducting regular employee training on harassment prevention

• Establishing confidential complaint procedures

• Responding promptly to complaints with thorough investigations

• Taking appropriate corrective action when harassment is found

Employers can be held liable for harassment committed by supervisors, coworkers, and even non-employees (such as clients or vendors) if they knew: or should have known: about the harassment and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it.

Retaliation Is Also Illegal

One concern many employees have is the fear of retaliation for speaking up. It is important to know that retaliation is itself unlawful under Pennsylvania law. If your employer fires you, demotes you, cuts your hours, or takes other adverse action against you because you reported harassment, that retaliation can form the basis of an additional legal claim.

How Centurion Law Group Can Help

At Centurion Law Group, we are committed to advocating for employees who have been subjected to workplace harassment. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, and we work to ensure our clients feel supported throughout the process.

Whether you need guidance on documenting your experiences, help filing a complaint with the PHRC or EEOC, or representation in court, our team is here to help you navigate your options.

If you believe you are being harassed at work and want to discuss your situation, schedule a free legal consultation with our team today. You do not have to face this alone.

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No one should have to tolerate a hostile work environment. Knowing your rights is the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind: and your career.