If you’re experiencing harassment in your workplace, it’s important to take action. Writing a formal harassment complaint letter can be an effective way to make your concerns known to your employer. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and examples to help you write a powerful harassment complaint letter.
When writing a formal harassment complaint letter, it’s important to be concise and clear. In this article, we’ll provide you with examples of harassment complaint letters that you can use as a guide. These letters are designed to be edited as needed to fit your specific situation.
Examples
Example 1: Harassment by a Manager
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my concerns about the harassment that I have been experiencing in the workplace. As you are aware, I have been reporting directly to you for the past several months. During this time, I have been subjected to a number of comments and actions that are unacceptable in a professional environment.
Specifically, I have experienced verbal abuse, sexual comments, and physical intimidation. These actions have made it difficult for me to fulfill my duties and have made me feel uncomfortable in the workplace.
I would like to request that you take immediate action to address this situation. I believe that it is important for everyone in the workplace to be treated with respect and dignity, and I feel that this behavior is unacceptable.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Harassment by a Colleague
Dear [HR Manager’s Name],
I am writing to report an incident of harassment that I experienced at work. Yesterday, a colleague made inappropriate comments to me that made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the workplace.
Specifically, [describe the incident]. I believe that this behavior is unacceptable and creates a hostile work environment. I would like to request that you take immediate action to address this situation and prevent it from happening in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Harassment by a Customer
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to report an incident of harassment that I experienced while working with a customer. Yesterday, a customer made inappropriate comments to me that made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the workplace.
Specifically, [describe the incident]. I believe that this behavior is unacceptable and creates a hostile work environment. I would like to request that you take immediate action to address this situation and prevent it from happening in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Harassment by a Supervisor
Dear [HR Manager’s Name],
I am writing to report an incident of harassment that I experienced at work. Yesterday, my supervisor made inappropriate comments to me that made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the workplace.
Specifically, [describe the incident]. I believe that this behavior is unacceptable and creates a hostile work environment. I would like to request that you take immediate action to address this situation and prevent it from happening in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Harassment by a Co-Worker
Dear [HR Manager’s Name],
I am writing to report an incident of harassment that I experienced at work. Yesterday, a co-worker made inappropriate comments to me that made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the workplace.
Specifically, [describe the incident]. I believe that this behavior is unacceptable and creates a hostile work environment. I would like to request that you take immediate action to address this situation and prevent it from happening in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Harassment by a Vendor
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to report an incident of harassment that I experienced while working with a vendor. Yesterday, a vendor made inappropriate comments to me that made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe in the workplace.
Specifically, [describe the incident]. I believe that this behavior is unacceptable and creates a hostile work environment. I would like to request that you take immediate action to address this situation and prevent it from happening in the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
How to Write a Formal Harassment Complaint Letter
If you’re experiencing harassment in the workplace, it’s important to take action. Here are some tips to help you write a powerful harassment complaint letter:
- Be clear and concise in your letter, but provide sufficient detail to support your claims.
- Use a professional tone in your letter, even if you’re feeling emotional about the situation.
- Include specific examples of the behavior that you’re experiencing.
- State how the behavior is affecting your ability to do your job.
- Request that the behavior stop immediately.
- Indicate what action you would like your employer to take to address the situation.
- Send your letter to the appropriate person or department, such as your manager or HR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my employer does not take action after I file a harassment complaint letter?
If your employer does not take action after you file a harassment complaint letter, you may need to take further legal action. Consider contacting an attorney who specializes in employment law to discuss your options.
Q: Should I include evidence in my harassment complaint letter?
If you have evidence, such as emails or witnesses, that support your claims, it can be helpful to include this in your harassment complaint letter. However, make sure that any evidence you provide is relevant and appropriate.
Q: Can I file a harassment complaint anonymously?
In most cases, it’s difficult to file a harassment complaint anonymously. However, you can discuss your concerns with HR or a manager and request that they keep your name confidential.
Q: How long should a harassment complaint letter be?
Generally, a harassment complaint letter should be no longer than one page. Be concise and provide specific details to support your claims.
Q: What should I do if I’m experiencing harassment but I’m not comfortable writing a letter?
If you’re not comfortable writing a letter, consider discussing your concerns with someone you trust, such as a manager, HR representative, or a coworker. You can also consider contacting an employee assistance program or an outside organization that provides support for harassment victims.
Q: Can I file a harassment complaint if the behavior happened outside of work?
If the behavior is affecting your ability to do your job or is creating a hostile work environment, you may be able to file a harassment complaint, even if the behavior occurred outside of work. Consider discussing your concerns with HR or a manager to determine your options.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing harassment in the workplace, it’s important to take action. Writing a formal harassment complaint letter can be an effective way to make your concerns known to your employer. Use the tips and examples provided in this article to help you write a powerful harassment complaint letter.