If you are facing harassment at your workplace and want to take action, writing a workplace harassment complaint letter can be an effective way to bring attention to the issue. In this article, we have provided seven examples of workplace harassment complaint letters that you can use as a reference to draft your own letter.
Before we dive into the examples, it is important to understand what a workplace harassment complaint letter is and why you might need one. A workplace harassment complaint letter is a written document that outlines the details of the harassment you have experienced at work and requests that your employer take action to address the issue. This letter can serve as evidence in the future if you need to take further action against the harasser or your employer.
Examples of Workplace Harassment Complaint Letters
Example 1: Verbal Harassment by a Colleague
Greeting: Dear HR Manager,
Body: I am writing to report an incident of verbal harassment that occurred on [date] at [time] by [colleague’s name]. On this day, [colleague’s name] made derogatory comments about my [race/religion/gender/sexual orientation/etc.] that made me feel uncomfortable and belittled. This is not the first time [colleague’s name] has made comments like this, and I do not feel comfortable working with them anymore. I request that immediate action be taken to address this issue.
Complimentary close: Sincerely,
Example 2: Sexual Harassment by a Supervisor
Greeting: To Whom It May Concern,
Body: I am writing to report an incident of sexual harassment that occurred on [date] at [time] by my supervisor, [supervisor’s name]. On this day, [supervisor’s name] made unwanted sexual advances towards me and made lewd comments that made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe. I have tried to handle this situation informally, but it has continued to escalate. I request that immediate action be taken to address this issue.
Complimentary close: Best regards,
Example 3: Racial Discrimination by a Manager
Greeting: Dear [Manager’s Name],
Body: I am writing to report an incident of racial discrimination that occurred on [date] at [time] by you. On this day, you made derogatory comments about my race that made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in the workplace. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and has created a hostile work environment. I request that immediate action be taken to address this issue.
Complimentary close: Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Example 4: Disability Discrimination by a Coworker
Greeting: Dear HR Team,
Body: I am writing to report an incident of disability discrimination that occurred on [date] at [time] by my coworker, [coworker’s name]. On this day, [coworker’s name] made derogatory comments about my disability that made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in the workplace. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and has created a hostile work environment. I request that immediate action be taken to address this issue.
Complimentary close: Best regards,
Example 5: Harassment by a Client or Customer
Greeting: Dear Manager,
Body: I am writing to report an incident of harassment that occurred on [date] at [time] by a client/customer. On this day, [client/customer’s name] made inappropriate comments and touched me inappropriately. I immediately reported this to my supervisor, but no action was taken to address this issue. I request that immediate action be taken to address this issue and ensure my safety in the workplace.
Complimentary close: Sincerely,
Example 6: Age Discrimination by a Manager
Greeting: Dear Human Resources,
Body: I am writing to report an incident of age discrimination that occurred on [date] at [time] by my manager, [manager’s name]. On this day, [manager’s name] made derogatory comments about my age and made it clear that my age is a problem for them. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and has created a hostile work environment. I request that immediate action be taken to address this issue.
Complimentary close: Best regards,
Example 7: Gender Discrimination by a Coworker
Greeting: Dear HR Manager,
Body: I am writing to report an incident of gender discrimination that occurred on [date] at [time] by my coworker, [coworker’s name]. On this day, [coworker’s name] made derogatory comments about my gender and made it clear that they do not respect me as a colleague. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and has created a hostile work environment. I request that immediate action be taken to address this issue.
Complimentary close: Sincerely,
Tips for Writing a Workplace Harassment Complaint Letter
Start with a clear and concise statement of the issue
Begin your letter by stating clearly and concisely the nature of the harassment or discrimination you have experienced. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter and ensures that the recipient understands the seriousness of the issue.
Provide specific details of the incident(s)
Provide specific details of the incident(s) including dates, times, locations, and the name(s) of the person(s) involved. This helps the recipient to understand the situation more clearly and allows them to take appropriate action.
Request a specific action be taken
In your letter, be sure to request a specific action be taken to address the issue, such as a formal investigation or disciplinary action against the harasser. This shows that you are serious about the issue and gives the recipient a clear idea of what they need to do to address the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to have proof of the harassment to file a complaint?
A: While having proof of the harassment can be helpful in supporting your claim, it is not necessary to file a complaint. Your testimony and the testimony of witnesses can be sufficient evidence to support your complaint.
Q: Should I file a complaint with HR or with a government agency?
A: It is generally recommended that you file a complaint with your employer’s HR department first. If the issue is not resolved or if you experience retaliation for filing a complaint, you may also file a complaint with a government agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Q: What should I do if my employer does not take action on my complaint?
A: If your employer does not take action on your complaint, you may consider filing a complaint with a government agency or seeking legal advice from an attorney who specializes in employment law.
Q: How long does my employer have to respond to my complaint?
A: The amount of time your employer has to respond to your complaint may vary depending on your employer’s policies and the nature of the complaint. However, it is generally recommended that your employer respond within a few days to acknowledge the receipt of your complaint and initiate an investigation.
Q: Can I file a complaint anonymously?
A: While it is possible to file a complaint anonymously, it may be more difficult to investigate without identifying the person who filed the complaint. It is recommended that you provide your name and contact information so that your employer can follow up with you if necessary.
Q: What should I do if I experience retaliation after filing a complaint?
A: If you experience retaliation after filing a complaint, you should document any incidents of retaliation and report them to your employer’s HR department or to a government agency. Retaliation is illegal and your employer may face legal consequences for engaging in retaliatory behavior.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing harassment or discrimination at work, it is important to take action to address the issue. Writing a workplace harassment complaint letter can be a powerful tool to bring attention to the issue and hold your employer accountable for creating a safe and respectful workplace. Use the examples and tips provided in this article to draft a strong and effective complaint letter.