City Background

News & Articles

Fighting Workplace Harassment in New York — Empowering Employees to Take Back Their Voice

Oct 30, 2025

Everyone deserves to work in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and respected. Yet across New York, countless workers suffer from workplace harassment that leaves them anxious, humiliated, or afraid to go to work.

At WRKRS Law Firm, we stand with employees who’ve endured this abuse. Whether the harassment comes from a supervisor, co-worker, or even a client, you have the right to speak up — and the law protects you when you do.

Harassment doesn’t just violate your dignity; it’s a violation of the law. Our team helps workers take back their power, stop the abuse, and hold employers accountable for allowing it to happen.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.

Under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), harassment can include any behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.

Examples include:

  • Derogatory jokes, slurs, or comments about your background
  • Unwanted touching, advances, or sexual propositions
  • Verbal abuse, humiliation, or threats
  • Displaying offensive images or messages
  • Unequal treatment or exclusion because of identity
  • Retaliation after rejecting harassment or filing a complaint

In New York, harassment does not have to be “severe or pervasive” to be illegal. Even a single serious incident may be enough to take action.

Types of Workplace Harassment

Harassment comes in many forms — some overt, others subtle. The most common include:

  • Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or physical contact. This includes quid pro quo harassment (“sleep with me or lose your job”) and hostile environment harassment (offensive jokes, gestures, or messages).
  • Racial or Ethnic Harassment: Slurs, stereotypes, or exclusion based on your race, ethnicity, or national origin.
  • Gender and LGBTQ+ Harassment: Misgendering, derogatory remarks, or unequal treatment based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
  • Disability Harassment: Mocking disabilities or denying reasonable accommodations.
  • Religious Harassment: Disrespect for beliefs, attire, or religious practices.

Each of these forms of harassment is unlawful, and employers have a legal duty to prevent and address them.

Your Employer’s Responsibility

Employers are legally obligated to maintain a harassment-free workplace. This includes:

  • Having clear anti-harassment policies
  • Training supervisors and staff
  • Investigating complaints promptly
  • Taking corrective action when harassment occurs

If your employer ignored your complaints, failed to protect you, or retaliated against you, they may be held fully responsible for your suffering.

How Retaliation Often Follows Harassment

Sadly, many employees who report harassment face retaliation — a second form of injustice.

You might experience:

  • Sudden demotions or loss of hours
  • Negative performance reviews
  • Being excluded or isolated
  • Transfers to undesirable shifts or departments
  • Termination

Retaliation is strictly prohibited under both state and federal law. At WRKRS, we pursue not just your harassment claim, but any related retaliation you suffered for standing up for yourself.

What to Do If You’re Being Harassed

If you’re being harassed at work, taking the right steps early can strengthen your case and protect your rights.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Document everything. Keep detailed notes of incidents — dates, times, names, and witnesses.
  2. Save evidence. Preserve texts, emails, photos, or messages that show harassment or retaliation.
  3. Report it internally. Follow your company’s reporting procedures, if you feel safe doing so.
  4. Contact WRKRS Law Firm. Even if you’re unsure whether what’s happening qualifies as harassment, we can assess your case confidentially and guide you through your options.

Remember: you have nothing to lose by asking for help — and everything to gain by reclaiming your safety and dignity.

How WRKRS Law Firm Helps Victims of Harassment

We know how painful and isolating workplace harassment can be. You may feel trapped, powerless, or afraid of retaliation — but you are not alone.

Our attorneys will:

  • Listen to your story and help you identify all forms of harassment you’ve endured.
  • Gather and preserve evidence before your employer can hide it.
  • File complaints with the New York State Division of Human Rights, EEOC, or in court.
  • Negotiate settlements to recover lost wages, emotional damages, and punitive compensation.
  • Fight aggressively in court when employers refuse to take responsibility.

We handle every case with compassion, confidentiality, and commitment. You pay no fees unless we win.

Compensation and Justice for Victims

If you’ve experienced harassment, you may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

  • Back pay for lost wages
  • Compensatory damages for emotional suffering
  • Punitive damages to punish the employer
  • Reinstatement if you were wrongfully terminated
  • Policy reforms within the company to prevent future abuse

Our goal is not only to help you recover financially — but also to ensure your voice sparks lasting change in your workplace.

Breaking the Silence — Together

Workplace harassment thrives in silence. Employers count on victims staying quiet out of fear or shame. But when you take action, you take back control — and send a message that abuse will no longer be tolerated.

At WRKRS, we’ve helped countless New Yorkers turn their pain into power. We stand beside you from the moment you call, making sure you feel heard, protected, and empowered to move forward.

If you’re experiencing workplace harassment, don’t wait another day. Contact WRKRS Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.

Together, we’ll fight back — and rebuild your confidence, your career, and your peace of mind.

Because at WRKRS, we fight for dignity, justice, and every worker’s right to feel safe at work.

City Background

Your Case. Our Mission.

Get a Free Evaluation

Start with a free, no-obligation review from attorneys who fight for workers every day. No fee unless we win.

Fighting Workplace Harassment in New York — Empowering Employees to Take Back Their Voice | WRKRS Law Firm