Be proactive in understanding EEOC’s updated workplace harassment guidance

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the agency responsible for enforcing certain employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On April 29, 2024, as the EEOC commemorated the Title VII’s 60th anniversary, it published its "Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace."

This comprehensive update consolidates and supersedes several earlier guidance documents. It was issued to address notable changes in the law that have occurred since its most recent update in 1999. It aims to provide clarity and support for employers in navigating the evolving landscape of workplace rights and responsibilities. While the guidance doesn’t carry the force of law, it offers insights into how the EEOC interprets and enforces federal antiharassment laws, including Title VII.

Notable highlights from the new guidance

The new guidance on harassment in the workplace includes several notable highlights: