If I have been bullied in the workplace that has left me humiliated and caused extreme anxiety, is there any recourse?

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If I have been bullied in the workplace that has left me humiliated and caused extreme anxiety, is there any recourse?

I have been humiliated in the workplace by a colleague and supervisor. I have been with this company for 10 years and always had good performance reviews. Now I am suffering from extreme anxiety and feel I can’t work at this job. What is my recourse?

Asked on January 29, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, New Jersey

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Unless the bullying is due to a protected characteristic--for example, you are being harassed because of your race, sex, religion, age over 40, or disability--you most likely have no recourse. Except for the fact that certain very specific forms are discrimination or harassment are prohibited, the law does not require employers or coworkers to treat staff/colleagues respectfully, or not humiliate them, or not harass them, etc. Since there is no rule against being humiliated, etc. by coworkers, there is no recourse for it.


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