EEOC Expands Harassment Guidelines to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Amidst Rising Remote Work

The EEOC's updated harassment guidance marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and safe working environment for all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By incorporating the Supreme Court's Bostock decision and addressing the nuances of remote work, the EEOC provides employers with a comprehensive framework to prevent harassment. Furthermore, the guidance's emphasis on balancing free speech and religious rights underscores the complexity of fostering a respectful workplace while respecting individual freedoms. This update is a crucial resource for employers navigating the evolving work landscape.

EEOC Guidance Update: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its harassment guidance to explicitly include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, aligning with the Supreme Court's Bostock ruling.

Remote Work Considerations: The update addresses the changing workplace dynamics due to an increase in remote work, providing over 70 examples to illustrate what constitutes harassment in both physical and virtual work environments.

Balancing Rights: The revised guidance also clarifies how employers can balance employees' rights to free speech and religious expression with the necessity to prevent harassment in the workplace.

Link to entire article: EEOC finalizes harassment guidance, addressing remote work and gender identity