Harassment is defined as any undesired and undesirable behavior, acts, or communication that produces a hostile, threatening, or offensive work environment for an individual or group based on protected characteristics including race, gender, religion, age, handicap, or sexual orientation. Harassment can take many forms, including verbal, nonverbal, and physical behaviors, and it is outlawed under anti-discrimination legislation.
Example
An employee routinely makes rude and disparaging remarks regarding a coworker's religion, resulting in a hostile work environment for the coworker. This is religious discriminatory harassment and a breach of HR standards and legal legislation.