Learn in the textbookCorporate Ethics and Codes of Organizational Conduct
DefinitionHarassment (ハラスメント) is mistreatment, at work or elsewhere, that uses position or conduct to hurt another person's dignity, put them at a disadvantage or damage their work environment.
ExplanationEven without ill intent, conduct can count as harassment depending on what was said or done and its effect on the person receiving it. Under the amended Act on Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies, in force from 2020, employers must take measures to prevent power harassment (パワーハラスメント), with small and medium-sized employers covered from April 2022. Typical measures include setting up a consultation desk, making the policy known and running training.
Memory hookThe English verb harass means to bother someone persistently, and Japanese borrowed its noun form, harassment, as is.