Is Yelling in the Workplace Harassment?

Are you currently working in a company? Does your boss yell at you or any other employee working besides you?

Have you ever come across scenarios of verbal abuse, offensive behavior, and physical assault in the workplace? 

If yes, you must be very well-aware of how these situations can create a toxic workplace. 

Of course, you must also have heard about workplace bullying, hostile work environments, and discriminatory behavior.  But is your workplace toxic? If you are currently trying to determine whether you are in a toxic work environment, you surely need to check out EEOC guidelines for harassment.

Can you Consider Yelling as a Form of Harassment?

Well, the short answer is – YES! It can be a form of harassment, but also tricky to define. 

You need to consider a lot of scenarios to make the word “YELLING” fit the category of harassment. 

Yelling in the workplace mostly includes raising one’s voice aggressively.

It can be in different forms. What are they? 

• Yelling during conversations, 
• meetings, 
• or even emails. 

Not only these, any form of – 

• verbal abuse or unwanted comments, 
• gestures, or 
• actions that humiliate, intimidate, or demean someone verbally. 

All these situations are not always considered yelling harassment. 

However, it depends on the intention behind yelling and any pattern of continued harassment.

How can you address the situation professionally?

Any Type of Yelling at a Workplace is Bad in Various Cases.

Discriminatory Yelling

While management uses such a method to show their dominance, sometimes it can be discriminatory yelling if they continuously target a specific individual or group. 

Legally, yelling is not illegal, but it can leave a negative impact on the employees and the company culture. 

It is worth considering that any type of discriminatory yelling is unprofessional and unlawful. 

If anyone in the workplace is yelling at you depending on their gender, religion, race, age, or nationality, it is a simple case of discrimination. 

Yelling in the Form of Verbal Harassment

It’s the most common situation that can arise anytime, including the workplace. 

In case, it becomes severe, Verbal harassment can take different forms, including – 

• insults, 
• threatening language, and 
• even offensive remarks. 

No matter the type, yelling in the form of verbal harassment can result in emotional distress and lead to mental health problems for the victims. 

The behavior can even lead to the victim’s loss of income. 

If you are experiencing verbal harassment, it is essential to get the needed help and support. 

Today, a lot of legal options are available for the victims, and knowledgeable Workplace harassment lawyers can provide the needed help and guidance. 

Unprofessional Behavior

Yelling in the workplace is verbal harassment, but do you know that it can be unprofessional behavior? 

It shows a lack of respect for coworkers. As a result, it creates a negative work environment. 

Managers can even think about some other alternative methods, including performance review and clear communication. 

A culture of yelling is infectious that results in – 

• decreased productivity, 
• increased staff turnover, and 
• even sick leaves. 

So, promoting a positive and respectful workplace culture is crucial. 

When you encounter a yelling employee, take a calm and professional approach to address the situation and prevent any disruptions. 

Abusive Situation

Yelling can hurt employees. A yelling culture can slowly turn into an abusive one that results in reducing morale and productivity. 

In fact, various studies have shown the connection between stress and abuse leads to poor mental health, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. 

Verbal harassment overlaps discriminatory yelling, which is further covered under federal civil rights laws. 

Both can contribute to a hostile work environment, leading to increased sick leave and staff turnover. 

As a result, these impact the company’s success and productivity. 

How to Handle the Situation?

If you are the one being yelled at in the workplace, stay calm and don’t get aggressive. 

React normally, take a deep breath and listen to what the other person is saying. If you are not feeling secure and comfortable, don’t get involved deeper into the situation. 

Get help from a trusted colleague or supervisor. 

Keep a detailed note of everything in case you want to take legal action. If needed, get help from trusted people at work, outside the work, and home. 

Being yelled at is not acceptable, and it can sometimes make you feel unsafe and unrespected. So, it is not an embarrassment to hide everything.